Brief History of Mobile Satellite Communications

Mobile satellite communications technology services have in recent years, has not been dissimilar to the evolutionary progress of other technological innovations. Computer, for example. The first computers cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and requires a battery of MIT graduates to make them work. They filled the room completely, not even their own air conditioners. Only the largest companies that employ them. Of course, computers are now small enough to fit in your pocket, can be used by children and are available for almost everyone.

Dozens of similar purchase of a satellite communication terminal 30 years, it would have taken thousands of dollars to buy the MIT degree to operate it and a few strong back for the transportation. Inmarsat constellation was his only option. Only 15 years later (1995), Mitsubishi introduced the first "portable" satellite terminals in the newly launched MSAT satellite constellation. The Mitsubishi ST151 binder size, eye popping at the time, weighed 30 pounds and costs about $ 3,500.00. While a breakthrough in satellite communications, the ST151, the satellite market dominated by the pocket less than a year.

1996 marks the beginning of a truly revolutionary step in personal communication by satellite, the Inmarsat mini-M terminal is started. The prices the same as the ST151, the Mini-M less than 6 pounds. The portable terminal size, the convenient "plug and play" offering of data (low speed) and the quality of the voice so far from any previous satellite terminal. Unlike the 151, which has a presence in North America alone, the Mini-M can be used virtually anywhere in the world. It would dominate the market for satellite personal communications services for several years, such as satellite communications to reach a financial and technological almost everyone.

In 1998, Iridium launched its global "canopy" of 64 satellites and the first satellite terminal hand really. A little smaller than the first mobile phone "sack", the hand of the new Iridium satellite phone to revolutionize mobile communication by satellite. Only a few years later, the phone is no longer in stock size as cell phones will cost less than $ 1,000.00 reduced. Well, almost everyone, the reason the fixed-line telephone or a cell had the ability to travel, affordable communications.

As with the development of many industries, there are breakthroughs and advances in satellite technology and failures of setbacks followed. Not all constellations was a success from the start. Market forecasts for some firms were optimistic that the ruins of the supplier. The competition remains fierce that many vendors are competing for too few customers. The industry is strong get stronger and the consolidation among suppliers is constantly evolving to address the constellations. The main beneficiaries of this will, as always, the consumer.

We offer products for mobile satellite communications and services for individuals and businesses in remote areas of the world where terrestrial connectivity is not an option, namely mobile phones and the Internet.