New system combines the strengths of cellular and satellite communication
Thrane & Thrane, in partnership with Tesacom Brazil and Stratos, has delivered 600 Thrane & Thrane EXPLORER 325 vehicular BGAN terminals with unique new Push-To-Talk units and associated server infrastructure to Elektro Brazil, for the largest Inmarsat BGAN delivery project ever in Brazil.
The EXPLORER 325 terminals are already in the field, installed on Elektro Brazil’s operating vehicles as part of an integrated dispatch communication system featuring voice and data connectivity and ‘least-cost-routing’ over 4G/3G/GPRS and Inmarsat BGAN. Uniquely, the system will automatically detect available coverage and will route voice communication as VoIP over BGAN if the vehicle is in a terrestrial whitespot or out of coverage.
The Push-to-Talk solution was designed to take advantage of the major roll outs of 3G and 4G terrestrial data networks, and combine this with robust Inmarsat BGAN technology. The new system can replace legacy VHF based trunk networks, many of which suffer from exceptionally high maintenance costs and costly expansion paths.
“Together with Thrane & Thrane and other project partners we have developed an intelligent system that directs the signal for the lowest cost route available,” says Elektro’s Brazilian Project Manager, Ricardo Brito. “This is a unique project but we have carried out intensive studies and testing prior to deployment and the system has proven to add the capabilities and safety features we have been looking for. The EXPLORER BGAN terminal on each vehicle offers a mobile broadband connection via satellite thereby providing reliable connectivity even in areas where terrestrial communication isn’t available.”
“We’re delighted that the EXPLORER 325 Push-To-Talk solution has been chosen for such a significant project,” comments Henrik Nørrelykke, Vice President, Thrane & Thrane. “Combining the strengths of cellular networks and BGAN makes the EXPLORER Push-To-Talk a perfect solution for utility companies such as Elektro. The utility market is important to us, but other sectors such as field service, search and rescue, Oil & Gas and mining can take advantage of our advanced Push-To-Talk solution.”
EXPLORER 325 is Thrane & Thrane’s newest vehicular BGAN terminal and was designed to provide the ideal balance between cost and performance. It offers data speeds up to 384kbps standard IP and up to 128kbps streaming, and works down to 5° elevation whether stationary or moving at speed across all types of terrain. The Push-To-Talk user terminal is a small router / VoIP gateway with a hand microphone. The user terminal connects to the EXPLORER 325 via Ethernet and supports up to two 4G/3G/GPRS USB modems.
Ends
For further information, please contact:
John Alexandersen, VP, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations,
Thrane & Thrane A/S
Tel: +45 39 55 88 35
www.thrane.com
Press materials, images etc:
Saul Trewern,
Account Director, Saltwater
Tel: +44 (0)1202 669244
Email: saul.trewern@saltwatercoms.com
www.saltwaterpr.com
