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BGAN - FAQs

The Inmarsat BGAN devices provide a versatile broadband platform for remote satellite voice and data services. Infosat supports BGAN devices from Nera, Hughes and Thrane & Thrane. For additional support, please call the Mobile VSAT line at 1.800.207.5759.

What information will the NOC be asking for?

You will need to provide one of the following:

SIM card number
MSISDN

Where can I go to obtain software updates and drivers for my BGAN?

Please go to http://broadband.inmarsat.com/support/prod_downloads.aspx?language=EN&textonly=False

DIALING PATTERNS

I'm having trouble placing outgoing calls.

Please use the reference section below to determine which dialing pattern you need to use. This is for outgoing calls using an Iridium 9500, 9505 or 9505A handset.

Inmarsat to PSTN: 00 (Country code) XXX-XXXX
Inmarsat to Iridium: 00 8816 314 XXXXX
Inmarsat to MSAT: 00 1-613-742-7827 wait for dial tone then enter 600 70X XXXX
Inmarsat to Inmarsat: 00 (Satellite Location area code) XX-XXX-XXXX

I'm having trouble receiving incoming calls.

The dialing pattern for calling from a landline (PSTN) to Inmarsat is: (International access code) (Satellite Location area code) XX-XXX-XXXX
Note: The same conditions for placing calls apply to receiving calls.

What are the various user terminals (UTs) that Infosat offers?

Infosat currently offers 3 UTs. These are:

How do I connect data to the UTs?

Connections to the UTs vary. They support a variety of connections such as:

Bluetooth - Nera, T&T
Ethernet (LAN connection) – HNS, T&T
USB (serial connection) – All
ISDN (via a terminal adapter) - HNS

How do I connect to the UTs for voice?

Connections to the UTs vary. They support a variety of connections such as:

Bluetooth - Nera, T&T
ISDN – Nera, HNS
Standard POTS port (RJ-11) – T&T

Does the UT need a SIM card?

Yes, all UTs need a SIM card. The UT alone can not make/receive voice or data calls.

Is my SIM card assigned telephone numbers?

Yes, as follows (no telephone numbers are provided/needed for IP data)

Voice and SMS
ISDN
FAX

I’ve heard references to my telephone numbers as MS-ISDNs? What does that mean?

Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Numbers are just the technical term for 3rd Generation (3G) phone numbers.

Can anyone in the world call my voice line?

Yes, but there are still some countries that do not route the international call to Inmarsat phones properly. Inmarsat uses country code 870. You may check with your carrier to determine if they route 870 numbers properly.

Is the BGAN UT similar to my GSM phone whereby I can do call forwarding and so on?

Yes. The BGAN solution has been designed using a standards-based 3G solution. Therefore a host of call forwarding options exist, such as:

Call forwarding no reply
Call forwarding busy
Call forwarding unconditional

Does the call forwarding features cost me anything?

No*. The features must be provisioned on your SIM though in order to work. Infosat configures all of these options by default, unless you specifically ask us not to do so.
*Note: If you configure call forwarding to a destination such as another BGAN or MSS service, then call forwarding charges may apply.

Can I get a voicemail account?

Yes, you get one automatically when you sign up for service with Infosat.

Can I access the voice mail platform on a regular terrestrial phone?

Yes you can. Just dial +870772001899. On your BGAN phone, you can dial 57#.

What is the LaunchPad software?

LaunchPad is the common user interface (software) that runs on your PC to control the BGAN UTs. The ame software is used for all UTs, so if you have more than one BGAN, the interface is the same across all. Refer to the launchpad section in this FAQ for further details on the use of the software.

Are the UTs environmentally sound? Do they withstand harsh environments?

Each UT has been built to varying environmental specifications. All are designed to be able to remain outside in varying degrees of harsh weather. You should refer to the exact specification for the UT you have or are planning to purchase for your specific deployment.

Does Infosat have online services for BGAN?

Yes we do. You can view near-real time call records while connected to BGAN.

Can the UT be used while moving? e.g. while walking or on a vehicle?

No. The UT must remain stationary as it requires a clear line of sight to the satellite. Remember, Inmarsat satellites are geostationary (always at the same place in the sky). Therefore, you must always point the directional antenna towards the satellite.

Can anyone know my exact GPS location?

The Inmarsat core network knows the GPS location, but this is not passed on to Infosat or any other third party.

My update loading failed. What do I do?

Contract Infosat or your service provider. You can also contact the manufacturer.

BACK TO TOP

TECHNICAL BGAN FAQs

What does BGAN stand for anyways?

Broadband Global Area Network.

Broadband? Just like my cable or DSL service?

Yes, very similar in fact. The bandwidth and speed available are a little less than cable/DSL, but you can’t take your cable/DSL in your backpack to the desert!

So what are the maximum speeds of BGAN?

It depends on the user terminal you purchase. The maximum rates are 492 kbps (half a Mega-bit per second!) on a low-cost truly portable device.

I hear streaming offers Quality of Service (QoS). What does this mean?

The Quality of Service function of streaming services guarantee throughput (bandwidth) to the user. So for example, if a user has a 64 K streaming session active, the network reserves 64 Kbps bandwidth for that user.

Where is the QoS guaranteed? I mean, from UT to the ground and then also via the Internet to my server at my office?

QoS can only be guaranteed over private networks. In other words, any streaming traffic routed to the Internet can not be guaranteed a QoS (the Internet is a publicly accessible network, and as such can not support QoS).

OK, so if the Internet can’t give me QoS end to end, how do I get end to end QoS?

Infosat offers multiple solutions to help you here. Infosat supports leased lines to the Inmarsat network accessible through our global network) and ISDN termination of the streaming traffic. Talk to us about how we can help you guarantee your IP delivery; our network experts will assist you with the best solution for your needs.

Is the network secure?

Yes. The Inmarsat coding mechanisms could only be interpreted by some very specialized equipment that would not be accessible to the average hacker. Infosat uses industry standard firewalls and security devices to protect our equipment from hackers.

Can I add additional security to my IP connection?

Sure. You are free to use any VPN or IP encryption devices. We would recommend testing your equipment prior to departure to ensure it all operates via the BGAN network.

So some IP security products won’t work via BGAN?

Naturally, every application or every piece of equipment is difficult to test. The standard off the shelf VPN software products are known to work well. Other less common IP security devices (particularly non-standards based devices) may not be supported, and are therefore encouraged to be tested. Infosat is quite willing to help out in any way to test your specialized application.

Can I add any level of additional voice security?

Sure. Again, the common security techniques are known to work (e.g., STU and STE via ISDN), but you are encouraged to test less well known devices and/or security codecs. Again, Infosat is always willing to assist as required.

Is VoIP possible? If so, will it work with my common instant messaging software?

Yes, VoIP works well over BGAN. All the common applications work quite well in fact.

Can I watch and listen to live video or audio?

Yes, enjoy your favourite programs.

What is the network coverage at present?

The network and the first Inmarsat-4 F1 satellite provide coverage over all of Europe (except extreme poles) as far west as Japan. Please see the coverage maps for an exact view of coverage.

Where can I get or see a coverage map?

Please go to www.thepowerofbgan.com

Can I take this on my boat? Is there a maritime version?

No, there is currently no maritime version of the BGAN UT.

OK, so Infosat handles the IP traffic, do you also carry the voice and ISDN traffic?

No. Inmarsat routes all voice and ISDN (circuit-switched) traffic through the PSTN/ISDN through their own partnerships. Naturally, Infosat still has a vested interest in all your BGAN communications, and as such will assist with any inquiry or problem you may experience on a circuit-switched call.

What type of IP address do you assign me?

The IP address assigned depends upon your requirements. Infosat offers private and public IP addresses that are assigned on a case by case basis. By default, users are assigned to a “private dynamic” pool. This means you’ll get a different IP address each time you connect, and the IP is in the private range of addresses. This means no one can connect to your PC from the Internet for things like FTP servers, web servers, email servers.

But I have an FTP/web/email server connected to my UT, how can others access it?

We’ll assign you a static public IP address, or alternatively you could run a VPN to your headquarters or a site from which a remote party can access the VPN network.

Are there import/export restrictions in various countries?

Yemen is currently the only state to forbid the use of all Inmarsat satellite terminals. We urge you to check with the country you are visiting to ensure the use of the user terminal is permitted. It’s always advisable to carry proof of ownership as well.