Keeping the Lights On: Satellite Tech in Utilities Management

What happens when the lights go out in your house? Ever have them go out in the entire neighborhood? What about the whole town or city? The state? What would happen if service suddenly stopped all together?

Utilities management is a huge job with billions of people depending on the outcome of how well each operation runs. A power outage that lasts just a few hours can cost people money in lost wages, cause refrigeration and frozen food loss, exacerbate health issues for people dependent on power for climate control or medical devices and much more.

It’s not just an inconvenience for people when they lose access to utilities. That’s why it’s so critical for utilities management to have reliable, consistent access to monitor their systems. Terrestrial solutions can be unreliable (especially in remote areas) and networks can get bogged down by excess traffic. In the event of an emergency, when you really need utilities to be working, communication lines can get clogged by a surge in traffic. This is where satellite solutions come in.

How Satellite Tech Works for Utilities

By using satellite technology, utility companies can have connectivity across their entire smart grid. Anywhere they need connectivity; satellite is there — whether it’s remote substations, remote customer locations or automatic reading collector sites. Using IP-based satellite communication systems integrated with core networks, utilities are meeting their smart grid objectives. They have a reliable and secure network solution that allows them to monitor their SCADA devices. They may also use satellite technology to extend their ability to use video surveillance, VOIP and corporate data access to substations that are inaccessible by terrestrial networks. Satellite also allows utilities to manage green energy sites in remote locations and backhaul smart meter data from aggregation sites.

Utility networks can also operate primarily on terrestrial networks and use satellite as emergency backup. Satellite solutions can give an alternative way to monitor SCADA and communicate with field crews in the event of a natural disaster or manmade event, to ensure minimal downtime of the smart grid.

Major Benefits of Satellite

Satellite provides many benefits for utilities because it’s:

• Easy to use – The technology is so user-friendly that just about anyone can deploy, monitor and optimize with minimal training.
• Reliable – Weather conditions, remote locations and traffic surges won’t affect the data reliability of the satellite network. Satellite networks are 99.9% reliable.
• Fast – Data rates with satellite have improved so much over the years that now they can support bandwidth-intensive real-time applications like VOIP and video streaming.
• Affordable – Satellite is no longer an expensive niche solution. It is widely used across many industries and has become a very affordable solution. The cost to operate a satellite feed is comparable to a terrestrial and cellular network cost structure.
• Flexible – Utilities can choose between outsourcing management (either partially or fully) of their satellite networks or building and operating their own. There’s a solution for every skill level and budget.

Satellite also:

• Increases safety – Field crews sometimes work in hazardous conditions and remote locations. With satellite technology, they can have increased connectivity and better lines to safety with satellite phones, push-to-talk solutions and GPS devices equipped with panic buttons.

• Enhances worker productivity – Constant access to the home office helps workers in the field check emails, update job orders, schedule work, send progress reports and more from anywhere in the field, which increases worker productivity.

When it comes to keeping the lights (and more) on, satellite is the go-to-tech. New York Mobile Satellite has that tech. Contact us today to get more information.

Headquartered in New York City, New York Mobile Satellite provides B2B wireless and satellite based telecommunication services, both mobile and fixed, to commercial enterprises around the globe, including banking, financial services, oil and gas, first responders, law enforcement, electric and water utilities, construction, sea ports, leisure boating, mining, cruise lines, media, shipping and container vessels, transportation, camping and hiking groups, rescue organizations, maritime communications, public safety markets and government sector, as well as for disaster recovery and humanitarian agencies. The Management Team has over 75 years of satellite and telecommunication experience. The company’s flexibility to custom design solutions and integrate various satellite communications technologies for customer and industry specific needs sets us apart from the competition. New York Mobile Satellite LLC is certified as a Veteran Owned business by the Veterans Administration.

Asset Tracking With Satellite

Think of this. You’re a logistics manager for a large trucking company and you realize one of your shipments has gone missing. Not only that, but you can’t get in touch with the driver or the supervisor because they both are out of cell phone range and apparently not in the truck. What do you do?

Organizations that operate fleets face several challenges when it comes to tracking their assets. Due to the mobile nature of fleets, it’s imperative to have connectivity wherever they may travel in order to track assets consistently. Organizations need to understand the exact location of their assets at all times, regardless of the location or environment so they can assess asset availability. They need to understand the status and security of all assets at all times. They also need to control assets to react to changing conditions.

Traditional terrestrial cellular communication has large dead zones where there is no connectivity. In remote locations, asset control is greatly reduced due to these dead zones. Having the GPS location of an asset doesn’t mean the driver has access to in-cab messaging and vehicle control, which helps maintain the driver’s awareness and the asset’s security.  

So what is an organization to do when they have a fleet of vehicles they need to track? The answer is satellite. Satellite technology hurdles the challenges of asset tracking due to its reliability, ease of use and consistent service even in the most remote areas. Satellite technology can easily be installed and maintained to help an organization manage its assets. 

What can satellite do to track assets?

Satellite technology provides great asset tracking performance. There are a variety of hardware units that work with asset management software so companies can chose the one that suits their budget and their business needs. Some software can track up to 40,000 live positions to make asset tracking a breeze, even for very large organizations. Satellite tracking software can be installed on many kinds of hardware, making it a very versatile option. 

Tracking assets via satellite technology is simple and can often be updated over the air so you don’t have any downtime when it’s time to update firmware. There are very safe options out there that give you voice and data access secure networks. The solutions are highly customizable so there is one to suit every organization’s needs. 

Options

Features available through asset tracking software vary by manufacturer, but could include some helpful options. Live tracking options are out there, which allow updates on assets’ locations every 15 minutes. Geo-fences are another option available. You can set up a geo-fence and know when an asset has entered or exited the perimeter you set up. You can also improve safety and security by establishing exceptions and receiving alerts that signal suspicious behavior.

Those in the trucking industry need to monitor their trailers even when they are unhooked to assure asset safety and security at all times. For those in this business, there are solutions available to monitor unhooked trailers. The hardware for these solutions runs on an internal battery with a long battery life, so unhooked trailers are monitored even when there is no power source for the tracking devices. These solutions can provide daily GPS information that is reported every 24 hours, or every 15 minutes if the asset is moved while the trailer is unhooked. Activity outside normal operating hours and locations can be tracked by email and SMS alerts. 

If you are looking for state of the art asset tracking technology, look no further than New York Mobile Satellite. We’ve got the solutions that will keep your assets safe. That translates to less loss and higher revenue for your organization. Contact us today.

Headquartered in New York City, New York Mobile Satellite provides B2B wireless and satellite based telecommunication services, both mobile and fixed, to commercial enterprises around the globe, including banking, financial services, oil and gas, first responders, law enforcement, electric and water utilities, construction, sea ports, leisure boating, mining, cruise lines, media, shipping and container vessels, transportation, camping and hiking groups, rescue organizations, maritime communications, public safety markets and government sector, as well as for disaster recovery and humanitarian agencies. The Management Team has over 75 years of satellite and telecommunication experience. The company’s flexibility to custom design solutions and integrate various satellite communications technologies for customer and industry specific needs sets us apart from the competition. New York Mobile Satellite LLC is certified as a Veteran Owned business by the Veterans Administration.

Because you need the money now!

Jonathan is an international tourist. He loves to travel, he loves to experience the exotic and he loves to spend money while he does it. And like many tourists, he sometimes finds he has depleted his cash. While this might not be a problem in most parts of the United States, many countries still operate largely on a cash basis. So Jonathan does what anyone else might do to get cash – he finds an ATM. Here’s the problem he encountered on his latest trip. The ATM was down. And so were the next three he found.

When you think of satellite solutions, generally you might think of highly mobile industries. Satellite solutions are frequently used in industries where workers are always on the go, like emergency first responders, members of the media, utility crews, gas and oil workers, miners and many more. But believe it or not, satellite applications are also helpful in more stationary businesses, like banks.

The banking industry presents its own set of challenges, like the need for constant, flawless connectivity, high-security and adaptability as the bank adds branches and ATMs Satellite technology can address all of these needs and more. Satellite can also enable areas of the world without terrestrial infrastructure to have the same access to banking that the rest of the world currently enjoys. Read on to see why satellite solutions for banking make perfect sense.

· Reliability – Satellite solutions can provide unsurpassed network reliability – 99 percent – that terrestrial networks just can’t beat. Terrestrial networks are vulnerable to natural and man-made disasters, geopolitical instability and limited reach. Satellite can provide reliable service that remains uncompromised by any of those factors. In today’s world of 24/7 banking, satellite can provide the connectivity that banks and customers need. In the event of a power outage, banks may even switch to power generators and continue to do business as usual.

· Streamlining – Satellite banking operations rely on a single operator, which gives them more control over their parameters. This dedicated operator can create a network that meets the exact needs of each financial institution and reduces the amount of people the bank needs to go through to resolve any issues. There is a single point of contact for development of the network, troubleshooting, training and maintenance. Satellite can provide managed services, with full monitoring and management of all terminals from multiple networks in a single platform.

· Extended reach – Satellite options give more customers in remote and rural areas access to the banking they need. Oftentimes these areas are not well connected with the terrestrial infrastructure the bank needs to provide services. This is where satellite can reach beyond terrestrial networks to provide people access to ATMs, point of sale networks and remote branch connectivity. This is equally important to banks as it is to customers, as it gives the banks a presence in emerging markets and access to new customers. Banks can give customers a wide range of quality services, which can lead to more revenue and customer loyalty.

· Top notch security – Transmitting sensitive data via satellite is more secure than through terrestrial transmission. Satellite IP data is independent of other local telecom operators.

· A leg up on the competition – Adopting satellite services now can give banks an edge over their competition, who may still be relying on terrestrial solutions. Satellite can be used for either primary or back-up services between corporate data centers and remote banking options. Increasing customer satisfaction through better connectivity and building a larger customer base will allow banks to win over customers from their competitors and build loyalty to their brands.

As you can see, satellite services and banking go hand in hand, and in ways you might not have considered before. The technology is out there to give customers what they need whenever they need it. If you’re in the banking industry or you’re a customer like Jonathan, be sure your bank has what it takes to provide safe, consistent service.

Headquartered in New York City, New York Mobile Satellite provides B2B wireless and satellite based telecommunication services, both mobile and fixed, to commercial enterprises around the globe, including banking, financial services, oil and gas, first responders, law enforcement, electric and water utilities, construction, sea ports, leisure boating, mining, cruise lines, media, shipping and container vessels, transportation, camping and hiking groups, rescue organizations, maritime communications, public safety markets and government sector, as well as for disaster recovery and humanitarian agencies. The Management Team has over 75 years of satellite and telecommunication experience. The company’s flexibility to custom design solutions and integrate various satellite communications technologies for customer and industry specific needs sets us apart from the competition. New York Mobile Satellite LLC is certified as a Veteran Owned business by the Veterans Administration.

Thuraya SatSleeve: Turn Your Cell Phone Into a Satellite Phone

If you travel the globe and you’re frequently in remote locations, but you still want to use your smart phone, there’s satellite technology that can make this a reality – the Thuraya SatSleeve. Even if you never travel the globe, but you live in a rural community (or just a terrestrial cell tower dead-zone), the same technology can convert your standard smartphone into a satellite phone that gets reception anywhere on the planet. And as amazing as this revelation is, it’s not going to cost you an arm and a leg. It doesn’t require any complicated setup, either (there’s a simple tutorial video that can walk you through it).

The Thuraya SatSleeve takes your existing smart phone and transforms it into a lean, mean, satellite-signal-receiving machine. Both iPhone and Samsung smartphones are compatible with this technology. Even when you upgrade your phone, you can still use the same Thuraya Satsleeve with an updated adapter. The satellite network covers over 160 countries, so just about anywhere you want to go, you’ll have access to everything you need on your phone.

When you use the Thuraya Satsleeve, you don’t have to worry about remembering a 16-digit satellite phone number or your call not getting through because of a security block on a foreign number. Your calls will ring through and be connected via a local number, so your call can be connected easily, every time.

This technology is great for people who live and work outside of terrestrial cell phone tower reach. Even if you’re not an adventurer hiking to remote locations, there are many spots in our country and others that still do not have cell phone coverage or Internet capability. With this technology hooked to a smart phone, anyone can have access to all smart phone capabilities like talk, voice, text, applications, Internet access and more.

There are also industries that by their very mobile nature demand satellite technology to communicate. Emergency first responders are always on the go. Having their smart phones with satellite capability allows them to communicate with their loved ones to reassure them of their safety during times when terrestrial phone lines may be overburdened with traffic. Members of the media are also highly mobile and need to communicate with their offices or their families while chasing a developing story. The Thuraya Satsleeve makes all of this possible.

Industries can also benefit from the Thuraya Satsleeve. Utility workers frequently have to work alone in remote locations to make repairs, check conditions and service equipment. With use of their smart phones, in addition to any other satellite communications their company may use, they are able to communicate through multiple channels, which helps improve operations and worker safety. The same benefits extend to workers in the oil and gas industries, mining, maritime and aviation industries. All of these industries are highly mobile and in remote locations. They can all benefit from an additional line of communication to their home offices and loved ones.

This technology is surprisingly affordable for all that you get. For about the cost of your cell phone, you can buy one of these devices. Contact us today to order.

Headquartered in New York City, New York Mobile Satellite provides B2B wireless and satellite based telecommunication services, both mobile and fixed, to commercial enterprises around the globe, including banking, financial services, oil and gas, first responders, law enforcement, electric and water utilities, construction, sea ports, leisure boating, mining, cruise lines, media, shipping and container vessels, transportation, camping and hiking groups, rescue organizations, maritime communications, public safety markets and government sector, as well as for disaster recovery and humanitarian agencies. The Management Team has over 75 years of satellite and telecommunication experience. The company’s flexibility to custom design solutions and integrate various satellite communications technologies for customer and industry specific needs sets us apart from the competition. New York Mobile Satellite LLC is certified as a Veteran Owned business by the Veterans Administration.

Interview With New York Mobile Satellite CFO Leonard Sloane

What can you expect when you work with New York Mobile Satellite? Hear from Leonard Sloane, Chief Financial Officer, whose extensive background positions him and the company to provide the highest quality satellite communications technology and services in the industry.

Q. How did you come to work with New York Mobile Satellite?

A. I spent eight years in the satellite industry. I was asked to join New York Mobile Satellite to help the company expand into global markets. A number of past clients had come to me and asked if I would help them establish a communication system for their company in Latin America and Asian markets. With my experience in the B2B business communication vertical, I was able to assist companies with their requests to help them design communication systems that would allow their business operations to transmit data from field operations to corporate offices around the world. I spent eight years living in Latin America working with businesses throughout the continent and helping them with their business communication needs. I enjoy helping companies communicate with their workers and field offices around the globe.

Q. Why did you choose to work in this industry?

I selected the satellite industry because I enjoyed helping companies expand operations around the globe. I was always fascinated with satellite communications and its ability to reach people across the globe with very little infrastructure.

A. When a potential customer calls New York Mobile Satellite, whom will he/she speak with?

When the customers call the company, they will initially speak to me. At that time, I will determine their business requirements. Once the customer's business requirements are determined, I will pass them on to several of the company's technical engineers to work with them on a solution that will accommodate all their communication needs, whether that be a VSAT solution, a BGAN solution, a disaster recovery plan or a backhaul service.

Q. When someone fills out the contact/request a quote form on the web, what happens next?

A. After the customer fills out the contact request form on the web, someone from the company will call the person and discuss what their communication needs are and the cost.

Q. What does the usual sales process look like from the customer's perspective?

A. We walk the customer from start to finish in the sales process. The team will work with the customer on designing a customized solution that fits the company's communication requirements. Our team of engineers will work with the customer’s business operations to determine the best communication solution for the company, as well as what the actual cost will be to implement such a solution.

Q. How does New York Mobile Satellite handle customer service on products you've sold?

A. After New York Mobile Satellite sells the product or service to the customer, our team conducts quarterly review calls with the customer. In addition, the team will keep the customers abreast of the latest technology solutions in the industries/verticals such as oil and gas, electric utilities, transportation, first responders, etc.

Q. If there was one thing you could tell potential customers about your products and services, what would it be?

A. New York mobile satellite offers the latest technology solutions in the B2B satellite industry. One of the company's competitive advantages is that the company offers a unique solution to all its customers’ communication needs. The company customizes solutions that meet the client’s requirements, and we always try to help the client save money on all of its communication solutions.

Headquartered in New York City, New York Mobile Satellite provides B2B wireless and satellite based telecommunication services, both mobile and fixed, to commercial enterprises around the globe, including banking, financial services, oil and gas, first responders, law enforcement, electric and water utilities, construction, sea ports, leisure boating, mining, cruise lines, media, shipping and container vessels, transportation, camping and hiking groups, rescue organizations, maritime communications, public safety markets and government sector, as well as for disaster recovery and humanitarian agencies. The Management Team has over 75 years of satellite and telecommunication experience. The company’s flexibility to custom design solutions and integrate various satellite communications technologies for customer and industry specific needs sets us apart from the competition. New York Mobile Satellite LLC is certified as a Veteran Owned business by the Veterans Administration.

Satellite Terminals – Solutions for Every Industry, Every Business

Satellite technology enables us to communicate virtually anywhere on the planet, even in the most remote locations. But in order to leverage the network of satellites and boost business in the far corners of the planet, you need the proper equipment. There are plenty of options out there for satellite terminals. See what’s on the market and what might fit your company’s needs. Here are two major satellite terminal companies, Hughes and Thrane & Thrane Explorer, and some of their best offerings.

Hughes Satellite Terminal Models

9202 BGAN Land Portable – This lightweight portable features voice capability, ISDN and a built-in 802.11 Wi-Fi access point. It operates over the Inmarsat BGAN satellite service, so that you can get high performance connectivity and reliability even in extreme conditions and remote locations. This is a class 2 terminal, which works well for public safety and healthcare workers, first responders, government employees, utilities, oil and gas, cable, telecommunications and much more. You can send and receive IP traffic through Ethernet and Wi-Fi.

9502 BGAN M2M – This terminal features an external antenna and enables reliable connectivity for IP SCADA and M2M applications over the Inmarsat BGAN network. It’s very cost effective and is known for its low power consumption of <1W while idle.

9201 BGAN Inmarsat Terminal – This easy-to-use, fully IP-compatible terminal works on Inmarsat’s BGAN global communications service. It offers voice and an 802.11 WLAN access point. It’s compatible with all VPNs and features email, file transfer and browsing capabilities. The terminal is easy to install and connects in minutes.

Thrane & Thrane Explorer Satellite Terminals

Explorer Model 700 – This terminal has a flexible design that offers optimal performance and extensive functionality. The standard IP runs at up to 492 kbps. You can get the highest available bandwidth on a BGAN network. There are multiple voice and data interfaces and WLAN connectivity. This terminal is great for live video or to share information amongst remote teams.

Explorer 500 BGAN – This extremely lightweight, portable option is great when you need high-speed access to your corporate network from a remote location. It offers voice and IP and works through USB, Bluetooth and Ethernet.

If you are looking for the highest quality, most durable terminals in the industry, New York Mobile Satellite has them. Questions? Contact us. We’d be happy to explain the similarities and differences between these terminals and help you choose a solution appropriate for your business.

New York Mobile Satellite LLC, veteran-owned, headquartered in New York City, provides B2B wireless and satellite based telecommunication services, both mobile and fixed, to commercial enterprises around the globe, including banking, financial services, oil and gas, first responders, law enforcement, electric and water utilities, construction, sea ports, leisure boating, mining, cruise lines, media, shipping and container vessels, transportation, camping and hiking groups, rescue organizations, maritime communications, public safety markets and government sector, as well as for disaster recovery and humanitarian agencies. The Management Team has over 75 years of satellite and telecommunication experience. The company’s flexibility to custom design solutions and integrate various satellite communications technologies for customer, and industry specific needs, sets us apart from the competition.

Global Xpress Speeds You Along the Information Highway

Looking for a super high-speed broadband network that gives you Internet access in even the most remote locations across the globe? Look no further than Global Xpress. This Ka-band broadband satellite network, launched in December 2015, offers speeds of up to 50 Megabits per second for downloads and 5 Megabits per second for uploads, using their compact user terminals. Other benefits of GX are easy to deploy without an engineer and low maintenance costs. This unprecedented speed and reliability make this technology arguably the best satellite broadband solution on the market today.

The company responsible for this technology, Immarsat, invested about $1.2 billion in infrastructure for this satellite network, including 3 new satellites constructed by Boeing. This network forms the GX constellation. A fourth satellite is planned for launch later in 2016 to enhance the network even further.

The satellites use a combination of fixed narrow spot beams and steerable beams, which add up to real-time additional capacity for users. They have teamed up with Cisco to develop the Inmarsat Service Enablement Platform and the Inmarsat Gateway to create content-rich applications. These applications are custom tailored to meet customer needs.

Global Xpress has possible applications in many different fields. Some of these fields include:

· Business Enterprise – The Ka-band network delivers secure, end-to-end wideband connectivity, ideal for business customers. The network is well suited for business continuity, emergency response and backhaul services. GX offers one IP address for a business’s entire operation, and it has predictable performance globally. It has seamless integration into the corporate network, too. In addition to seamless communication, GX offers flexible plans to accommodate occasional use.

· Government – The Ka-band network delivers secure, end-to-end wideband connectivity, ideal for government customers. The network is well suited for live full motion video, special operations, expeditionary forces, surveillance, reconnaissance, airborne intelligence, command and control and theatre backhaul.

· Military – With the mobile nature of military, often located in very remote locations, and needing real-time connectivity, Global Xpress offers solutions. Military users need guaranteed “at least” data rates, and Global Xpress delivers. The compact terminals offer reliable broadband service from a single provider that are built to handle government mission-critical needs.

· Aviation – Passengers and airline personnel can get reliable service in the sky. The network is backed with a two-receiver antenna technology that ensures the connection is never dropped. Service is offered through Jet ConneX and GX Aviation.

· Maritime – Fleet Xpress can even deliver the same reliable, fast broadband service at sea. They guarantee performance for all of their customers and offer fully managed support 24/7. This technology can improve efficiency, safety, compliance and IT security.

This technology is on the cutting edge of satellite broadband. It is faster and less expensive than other Ka-and market offerings and the terminals are smaller and more cost-effective. Terminals are easy to set up by one person alone. And the great news is, customers who were already on the Inmarsat global service package can use both Inmarsat’s L-band and Global Xpress networks.

If you are looking for speed and reliability for your business or organization, you will want more details on Global Xpress. Contact New York Mobile Satellite for products, services and packages. Our knowledgeable professionals will help you get the technology you need for success.

New York Mobile Satellite LLC, veteran-owned, headquartered in New York City, provides B2B wireless and satellite based telecommunication services, both mobile and fixed, to commercial enterprises around the globe, including banking, financial services, oil and gas, first responders, law enforcement, electric and water utilities, construction, sea ports, leisure boating, mining, cruise lines, media, shipping and container vessels, transportation, camping and hiking groups, rescue organizations, maritime communications, public safety markets and government sector, as well as for disaster recovery and humanitarian agencies. The Management Team has over 75 years of satellite and telecommunication experience. The company’s flexibility to custom design solutions and integrate various satellite communications technologies for customer, and industry specific needs, sets us apart from the competition.