Sprint is Prepared for Hurricane Earl's Impact

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As the National Hurricane Center has declared a hurricane warning for the East Coast of the United States, Sprint today said it is prepared for the potential impacts of Hurricane Earl. As it does for every impending tropical storm or hurricane, Sprint is staging backup generators, network engineers, emergency personnel and other critical assets in strategic locations along the Atlantic Coast to manage potential service impacts.

In 2009, Sprint invested more than $370 million in network enhancements for hurricane-prone states along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. These investments included adding new cell sites to the Nationwide Sprint(R) Network and Nextel(R) National Network, installing hundreds of permanent generators for critical wireless sites and network facilities, as well as investment in additional portable generators.

As a standard practice, Sprint has permanent generators at all of its wireless and wireline switches -- the network components where wireless data and calls are routed to their final destination. In addition, permanent generators are installed at all of the company's network Points of Presence (POP), the facilities where traffic enters and leaves the company's global IP network, which facilitates dedicated data services for Sprint's corporate and government customers, as well as other critical communications. These backup generators have automatic cutover switches to immediately neutralize any loss of commercial power.

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KYOCERA DEBUTS MOBILE PHONES FOR GSM/SATELLITE TELEPHONY.

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Potential Kyocera customers can now choose between different mobile phone models and a pager: Kyocera SS-66K for the first Iridium-enabled satellite communication worldwide, the mobile GSM phone KI-G100, the dual mode adapter for the Iridium network as well as the Kyocera pager SP-66K. The new satellite-capable mobile phones arecharacterized  worldwide availability on one single phone number as well as by comprehensive functions and accessories.

Kyocera is striving to establish itself in Germany and Europe as a manufacturer of mobile phones. Besides an extraordinary small GSM mobile phone, Kyocera is presenting a satellite- capable docking station (dual mode adapter) for the mobile GSM phone, a satellite mobile phone and a satellite-capable pager. The advantage of the dual mode adapter is that it can be used as a docking station for mobile phones manufactured by Kyocera for use in different mobile phone networks, such as GSM (mainly Europe), AMPS (mainly U.S.) and PDC (mainly Japan). The mobile phone user generally phones with the lightweight mobile GSM phone and can make use of the Iridium satellite network in areas without terrestrial radio contact by a simple docking procedure.

Kyocera SS-66K - the satellite-capable mobile phone for the Iridium network

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Qualcomm earnings come out ahead

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Qualcomm posted fourth-quarter earnings slightly ahead of expectations, but has also decided to shelve, for now, any plans to take its chip business public.

The developer of mobile-phone technology reported revenues of $684 million in the first quarter, compared with $635 million from the fourth quarter. The figure is down 10 percent from the same period in the previous year.

Earnings per share was 29 cents, ahead of the 25 cents per share in the fourth quarter. A consensus of analysts surveyed by First Call expected earnings to be 28 cents per share.

Qualcomm said it is on track for annual earnings per share of $1.27, down about 2 cents from its own projections.

Most analysts participating in an earnings call led by Qualcomm Chairman Irwin M. Jacobs were upbeat about the company's quarter.

Jacobs said the company's technology licensing and semiconductor business enjoyed brisk growth, contributing to the earnings win.

Jacobs said Qualcomm added another 10 companies to its stable of phone makers that are licensed to use Qualcomm's CDMA chips. There are now more than 95 companies using Qualcomm's CDMA technology.

The company also reported it had shipped 15 million of its modem-enabled integrated circuits, an increase of 4 million from the fourth quarter. Qualcomm had expected to ship 14 million modem-enabled integrated circuits in the first quarter.

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Thuraya Escalates Fight for Satellite Phone Customers

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Mobile satellite services provider Thuraya, in the latest demonstration that the global competition for mobile satellite telephone customers is heating up, is offering new subscribers a credit of $400 if they turn in a functioning non-Thuraya satellite telephone and purchase the new Thuraya XT model, Thuraya said.

The Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates-based company is gearing up for a direct competitive threat from London-based Inmarsat, which has been in the mobile satellite communications market for more than 30 years but has left the hand-held telephone end of the market to competitors including Iridium Communications of McLean, Va., and Globalstar of Milpitas, Calif., in addition to Thuraya.

That will change in June, when Inmarsat is scheduled to introduce its IsatPhone Pro hand-held device. Inmarsat has said it expects to gain a 10 percent share of the global market for hand-held satellite phones within two years, mainly by offering lower handset prices and lower user charges to take customers away from the existing providers.

Thuraya announced April 26 that it has already sold 8,000 XT telephones this year and expects that figure to reach 20,000 by year’s end. The XT, which retails for between $1,000 and $1,300, is billed as the most rugged on the market. Thuraya said the XT offers five to six hours of call time between battery charges and is both splash- and dust-proof.

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Motorola sets satellite phone link

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Motorola Inc proposes a new cellular radio system based on high-level digital communications among small, low-orbit satellites. This type of widespread, clear international communications would supplement, not replace, existing cellular telephone systems. Some industry analysts do not believe the money or customer base exists for such an expensive approach to mobile phones. Motorola envisions it improving contact among remote areas, such as business entrepreneurs in rural regions and ship captains at sea. Motorola, however, still needs permission from US and foreign regulatory agencies, investors, partners and new cellular technology. The company is defining its role as coordinator and supplier, with international agencies and other companies actually launching the satellites.

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Ericsson R290 Satellite Phone

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The R290 provides comprehensive coverage in both GSM and satellite mode wherever Globalstar offers its services. 

Where there is no cellular coverage, limited roaming or capacity limitations, the phone can switch to satellite mode ensuring connectivity. 

Similar to GSM roaming, the R290 requires only one subscription for both cellular and satellite usage. Users need just one mobile phone, one mobile phone number and will, depending on the service provider, have the possibility to receive one bill to cover both satellite and cellular calls. 

The phone can be set to operate in four modes: satellite only, satellite preferred, GSM only and GSM preferred. Users can select the most appropriate setting for their needs. 

The R290 is targeted at users for whom it is essential to stay in touch. For example, those who work and travel in areas that do not have cellular coverage. The majority of users are likely to be people who to a large extent work and travel within their national boarders or territory. Ericsson expects that the first users of satellite phones will be professionals on the move. 

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A closer look at Iridium and tracking devices

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Iridium is the only satellite system that works in Antarctica. There are two models available, Iridium 9505A and Iridium 9555. The only significant advantage of the 9555 model is that it's lighter.

A new Iridium costs around $1300 to $1500 plus another $650 for a 500-minute plan, good for a year. Call cost is just over a dollar per minute. Rent is around $200 a month with call cost $1.80 per minute.

We recommend a 10-watt solar panel to power the Iridium device.

For tracking purposes, Argos used to be the choice for Polar explorers, but it has been replaced by Iridium-based trackers. HumanEdgeTech has researched the tracking market in this story and recommends Solara. The unit runs at about $1500 with a monthly fee of $50 and can be recharged. Solara sends out positions that can be automatically updated on a map through the CONTACT-A software.

The Solara tracker will run on AA lithium batteries, 16 should be fine for the trip. You can also find a GPS that runs on AA lithium batteries, and 10-12 batteries are recommended for a two-month expedition.

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Verizon Moves More Multimedia to Phones

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There is likely to be a lot of business-model experimentation on multimedia from the major wireless providers, said DataComm President Ira Brodsky. Verizon's over-the-air delivery approach is new; Sprint has partnered with the Dish Network, a satellite service provider; and Cingular has launched its own streaming music channels.

Verizon will soon launch V Cast Music, a new service that will enable wireless customers to download tunes to their mobile phones and PCs, the company said at this week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The V Cast service, which follows similar offerings from wireless rivals Cingular and Sprint (NYSE: S), will provide over-the-air music downloads to phones or PCs that can be played with Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) Windows Media software, said Verizon.

The services highlight the wireless carriers' recognition -- thanks largely to Apple's (Nasdaq: AAPL) iPod and iTunes music and video service, as well as satellite subscriptions -- that consumers will pay for mobile multimedia content.

"It makes sense that a cellular carrier would jump into this since Apple's been successful at it," DataComm President Ira Brodsky told TechNewsWorld. "Nothing says Apple is the only one who can receive the benefit [of the market]."

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WCC OFFERS HURRICANE KITS FOR EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SERVICE WHEN LAND LINES AND CELL PHONES FAIL

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Small Kyocera phone with global satellite telephone service is perfect for residents and businesses within high-risk hurricane areas.

World Communication Center (WCC), a leading provider of global satellite voice and data communications and subsidiary of SatCom Group, today announced availability of the 2006 Hurricane Kit for purchase by businesses and residents in high-risk areas for hurricanes or other natural disasters.

Priced at $899.99, which is 40 percent off the regular purchase price of $1,495, the portable emergency telephone kit is an instant resource for communicating inside or outside disaster areas when cellular towers and landlines become unavailable due to overload or destruction. It contains the Kyocera SS66K, one of the smallest satellite phones available, safely housed in a rugged, waterproof pelican case with an extra battery and SIM card. Available only while the limited supplies last, the hurricane kit includes a six-month warranty or optional 12-month extended warranty and requires the purchase of airtime with rates as low as $1.20 per minute.

WCC offers the following disaster preparedness tips from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as a minimum safeguard in case of natural disaster:

Assemble a kit of emergency supplies that will allow you to survive for at least three days, including water, food, battery-powered radio, flashlight and a first-aid kit. For a complete list of recommended supplies, visit www.ready.gov.
Create a plan for shelter, evacuation and communication.
Learn about threats that could affect your community and appropriate responses to them.
Consider training in first aid and emergency response.

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How to Rent or Buy a Satellite Phone

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Purchasing a satellite phone is very much like shopping for the best cell phone plan, just much more expensive--sky high, you might say. First choose a satellite phone, then a provider, then a plan. Or the smarter move may be just to rent one for your off-the-grid odyssey.

• Choose between buying a new or used satellite phone or just renting one. For example, a high-end Motorola 9505 handheld unit is about $1,500 new, $1,000 used, and $20 a day to rent. Less fancy units sell for as little as $300 used or $45 a week to rent. If you're heading to an ultraremote location, be sure to bring along a solar-powered battery charger (about $40).

• Choose a provider. Satellite telecommunications companies such as Globalstar USA and Iridium Satellite offer competitive plans and varied coverage zones.

• Make sure the provider you choose offers service to wherever you're headed.

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Satellite Phone Plans

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Some Satellite Phone Plans
Different satellite phone service providers provide different plans to their customers, out of which the most suitable one is chosen by the customer. The satellite network providers offer competitive packages. These satellite phone plans include prepaid phone plans, monthly plans, hibernation plans, satellite phone service plans, satellite cell phone plans, etc. The provider companies have different offers like novel package deals, prepaid calling cards, free e-mails, free text messaging, voice mail, etc. Sometimes, a few companies offer more number of calls in the service agreement itself. The companies have different plans for outgoing calls, while they allow unlimited incoming calls free of charge. Customers are charged according to the number of minutes they use the satellite phone. This way customer is charged only for their usage and additional bills are avoided. Some people use satellite phones heavily while some them use it sparingly.

In an express data phone plan, the data is transmitted at a higher rate. Normally, the transmission speed is 9.6 kbps. But, with the express data phone line, the data can be transmitted at a speed of 56 kbps. The Liberty plan is mainly for those customers who use phone lines only in a specific situation. But their usage in that specific situation is very essential. It is mainly suitable for emergency management or seasonal customers. A plan called burst plan increases the number of minutes after it has exceeded a specific count of call minutes or call costs. This acts like a boon to the customers who use these phones heavily as they get a bonus number of minutes on the calls they make.

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AT&T and Terrestar show off dual-mode satphone

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AT&T and mobile satellite (MSS) operator Terrestar Networks have unveiled the first fruits of a project to create next generation satellite/terrestrial devices, which could finally bring cellphone economics to MSS.

A project was launched in March - between satellite operators Terrestar and SkyTerra plus chipmakers Infineon and Qualcomm - to create dual-mode handsets that would approach the cost level and roaming capability of a cellular phone. This week, AT&T - which is to resell Terrestar's satellite services in remote areas - announced the Genus, a smartphone that uses the MSS network only when cellular coverage is unavailable. This offers connections when the terrestrial network is unavailable or disrupted, but does not impose the higher satellite charges on users who can get onto a cellular system.

Previously, MSS subscribers had to have a separate device - usually heavy and expensive - and a separate phone number for the satellite network, but the Genus supports a single number and looks pretty much like a 3G handset, though the price tag is still fairly hefty, at between $800 and $900 (though far less than the $3,000 or so of first generation satphones). It is not clear whether AT&T will subsidize the device at all.

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Thuraya intros Thuraya XT, toughest handheld phone

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Thuraya has launched the world’s toughest satellite phone. Christened Thuraya XT the latest satellite phone has many sophisticated features to ensure resilience. The device is touted to comply with world telecom IP54/IK03 standards, which makes it waterproof and dustproof. The phone is also claimed to be the most reliable satellite handheld phone introduced up till now.

This ground-breaking satellite handheld has been rolled out taking into account the needs of consumers in perspective. The phone also helps users enjoy the GPRS facility, and lets them enjoy surfing the web through a PC or laptop from any location. It also comes built-in with GPS-Navigation feature, which users can use to manage and create Waypoints.

This satellite handheld phone also boasts of offering longer battery life up to 6hrs of talk time and 80 hrs of standby-time. The phone can also be used in severe environments; it is fully proofed against the damage caused by water, dust and shocks.

This ground-breaking phone also has a glare-resistant with an internal brightness sensor that makes available an ideal readability outdoors because of its low reflection in bright environments. Users can easily access the phone’s functions in a very short time thanks to its professional and easy to use menu.

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Satellite phone rental

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In the last few years satellite phones have become much more accessible. They've become smaller and more user friendly. And of course they are much cheaper - to buy and to use. But still, buying a satellite phone can be a significant expense. Sometimes a good option is to reduce costs by renting one.

 

When is it better to rent a satellite phone and when should you consider buying one? There are three main things you should consider:

 

• 1. For how long do you need the phone?
• 2. How often will you need it?
• 3. Why do you need the satellite phone?

 

Typically, a one-time rent will make sense for a period of 3-6 weeks. This depends on the rental company you choose, as rates differ. Alternatively, you can usually rent a phone for a similar cost 2-3 times for 1-2 week periods. If you need the phone for longer periods of time (or you need it on a more frequent basis), consider buying your own.

 

Buying a satellite phone is also the best option when you don't need to actually use the satellite phone on a day-to-day basis, but would like to keep it for emergency reasons.

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What is A Satellite Phone ?

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A satellite phone or satphone is a mobile phone that sends and receives calls using satellites rather than landlines or cellular broadcasting towers. A satellite phone only requires a clear line of sight to the sky. The advantage of a satellite phone is that it can complete calls from anywhere. A satellite phone can operate in the middle of the Sahara desert, at the top of Mount Everest, or from a clearing deep within a South African jungle. It is an indispensable tool for remote excursions of all kinds, and provides solid communication on the seas and in the air.

A disadvantage of a satellite phone is a noticeable delay in conversations. The signal must first travel to the satellite, then to an earthbound gateway before being routed to the receiver. The receiver's response will follow the same path in reverse, taking equally long to reach the caller. Satellite minutes are also more expensive than cellular minutes.

However, these drawbacks are irrelevant when considering the function that a satellite phone serves. It can create a link to civilization from places where no other link is available. It also allows loved ones to stay in touch, as in the case of researchers, adventurers and those in the military, and it can provide backup communication in disasters when cellular towers or landlines might not be functional.

The three main satellite networks at present are Iridium, Globalstar and Thuraya. Iridium uses low orbiting satellites that minimize conversational delays, but more importantly, it is the only current satellite network that provides coverage over the entire earth, including the oceans. Competitor Globalstar covers about 80% of the earth's landmasses, excluding northern and southern polar regions, while Thuraya covers parts of India, Asia, Africa, the entire Middle East and Europe.

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Satelite Telephone: Future of Telecommunication

Satelite telephone

Wondering how people in secluded parts of the world stay connected to the world? it is true that there are places in the world, there virtually is no existence of mobile network, but in such places we have satellite phones that match our requirements and work effectively. In the following text we would take you through some of the important aspects of satelite telephone, so that you are well equipped with handy information.

Why are they called satellite phones?

Firstly, you should know that these satellite phones are nothing but just like normal cell phones. The term ‘satellite’ comes from the fact that the phone uses the orbiting satellites to transmit its signals. So this makes calling and receiving calls on satellite phones possible even when in remote parts of the world.

Where are these satellite phones actually used?

Satellite phones can be used anywhere and everywhere on earth. But these phones work best in higher altitude, but they are equally effective on low altitudes; there might be a minor difference in the quality of calls.

Are satellite phones meant for normal people?

These days satellite phones are being used each and all, but in previously these were a part of military and government officials. The main feature that makes a normal man choose satellite phones is its wide coverage range. So this reason makes satellite phones a very popular choice.

How do these satellite phones look?

If you always wanted your phone to look smart, then it is better not to invest in a satellite phone. Satellite phones are quite large and heavy. The newer models do look far slimmer and smaller but they can never match the looks of conventional cell phones.

 

How much do these satellite phones cost?

The older satellite phones are these days available within a range of $700 and the new ones can cost you as high as around $1500. Though prices may vary according the features and quality of phones, you can find the best ones simply by logging on to the internet.

Future of satelite telephone?

The present day situation is such that people are looking for more than what cell phones has on offer, they look to stay connected in whichever part of world they are in. So satellite phones are taking some part of cell phone users. Since satellite phones are more effective than the normal conventional cell phones, the variety of satellite phones too are increasing.

It predicted that the number of satellite phone users would treble by the year 2010 and it would further increase if the tariffs are reduced; and this seems to be the lone problem with satellite phones. If you have made up your mind about buying satellite phones, make sure that you do a good research before investing in one, so that you get the latest one with the many features.

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Rental Satellite Phones

Innovation like that of satellite phones has allowed us to communicate from the interior most corners of the world, which would have been impossible with the help of cell phones. The purpose of satellite phones come up where the cellular network fails to bring us in contact with the outside world. With the help of microwave signals it is possible to link with the satellites in orbit outside the world, which in turn help us to communicate from remote areas of the earth.

Just as there are different schemes on rental, satellite phones are no exception to it. They are let out on rent, to serve customer satisfaction, as many do not need satellite phone coverage all the time. People seek to have access to satellite phone network for the period of time when they are out to visit an interior territory beyond the coverage of normal cellular network.

The satellites in the geosynchronous orbit and also low level orbit enable the various service providers to further provide coverage among the general mass, according to their needs. Renting a satellite phone is now readily available from service providers, allowing you to enjoy its service in times of need. They are connected to particular networks and function accordingly.

While using rental satellite phones we may be looking forward to subscribe for the various types of service plans. The rental plans may vary from daily basis to monthly basis, and for that purpose people renting them should look carefully into the matter before opting for them. Rental phones are charged much lesser compared to a new satellite phone, for which they have become this increasingly popular.

The numerous dealers providing satellite phones for rental always provide some benefits along with them. These benefits range from free accessories to reduction in price rates depending upon the dealers. Among the various deals available one must choose the one best for him and should not compromise on quality for a little difference in discount. There are various options to look into before finalizing any deal with any service provider for that matter.

It should be kept in mind that rental satellite phones serve the purpose equally well as compared to having a satellite phone of oneself. These on the other hand come at much cheaper rate if we add on all the expenses that we have to bear in each case.

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