Cobham EXPLORER terminals receive Inmarsat type approval

The new EXPLORER 323 terminal represents the first class 12, electronically steerable terminal for use on Inmarsat’s L-band Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN). It combines the slimmest form factor of any vehicular BGAN terminal with a number of new innovative features and sets a new standard in robustness due to its lack of moving parts. In conjunction with Inmarsat’s highly reliable network, offering up to 99.9% uptime, it promises a new standard in mobile communications to organisations operating in remote locations across a wide array of industries.

The class 12 terminal features speeds of up to 384kbps, support for BGAN (data and voice) and BGAN M2M (data) operations, and an integrated antenna and receiver, meaning only a rooftop unit is needed. Additionally, the EXPLORER 323 has an integrated WiFi Hotspot for setup, management and data access. Developed to integrate seamlessly with Cobham’s PRISM PTT+ offering, the EXPLORER 323 will enable telemetry and voice communications as well as other uses in remote rail operations, utilities, mining, aid and NGO operations, agriculture, public safety and emergency response.

Inmarsat has also approved the new auto-point ‘fly-away’ 0.75m Cobham EXPLORER 6075LX VSAT terminal for its high-speed Ka-band Global Xpress service. The new terminal offers the most reliable and stable connection in its class and features a simplified design, enhanced usability, quick setup and built-in WiFi. With a dynamic auto-pointing correction the terminal maintains its connection even in windy conditions or when pushed or moved, optimising its connection constantly.

The EXPLORER 6075LX also features a considerable reduction in weight versus the EXPLORER 5075GX for greater portability and will support high-bandwidth applications in broadcasting, resilience and field-office operation.

Mike Carter, President of Inmarsat Enterprise, commented: “We are proud to offer these two game-changing terminals to our partners and customers. Their launch follows an important period of industry consultation, innovation and collaboration between Cobham and Inmarsat.

“With the EXPLORER 323 ideal for vehicular tracking and communications and the EXPLORER 6075 optimised for high-bandwidth operations, both terminals improve upon their predecessors and are set to make ultra-reliable connectivity easier to access in the remotest areas, wherever it is needed most.”

Todd McDonell, President of Inmarsat Global Government, added: “These two new terminals from Cobham prove that there continues to be innovation occurring in both our L-band and Global Xpress networks.

“For government users the 6075LX (or GX6075) provides a fast to set up, easy to use, automatic acquisition broadband terminal ideal for first responders who need to access communications at a scene quickly.

“In addition the EXPLORER 323 provides government users a way to maintain on the move connectivity regardless of the situation. When fixed networks become disabled or degraded, due to events such as natural disasters, the EXPLORER 323 provides an ideal, low profile system for routing radio and data connectivity and can be integrated with the emergency services’ existing radio and data networks. We thank Cobham for bringing these products to market. We believe that they will help to deliver new capability for a number of government departments and agencies.”

Cobham’s Vice President, Global Sales & Marketing, Land Mobile, Henrik Nørrelykke said: “Cobham SATCOM is pleased to demonstrate our continued support of both the extremely robust Inmarsat BGAN network as well as the Inmarsat Global Xpress network by launching these exciting new products. We have already received very positive feedback on the performance of both products and look forward so much to seeing them deployed in projects around the world.”