3G technology is set to be
made available for the first time in remote parts of the world and on
ships and aeroplanes.TriaGnoSys, the satellite communications
specialist, and 3Way Networks, the UMTS equipment specialist, have joined
forces to produce the first integrated 3G mobile network using satellite
communications, which will enable cost-effective and robust satellite
telephony from anywhere in the world.

The system, which will be available from April 2006, consists of a
picocell, which is a mini mobile phone base station that has a range of
200 metres.  It takes signals from mobile devices and transmits them to
and from a satellite, which in turn transmits the signals to the public
network.  The picocell is small, weighing only a few hundred grams, making
it highly portable; the software that enables the satellite communication
is highly resilient and supports the high transmission rates associated
with 3G.

 

The 3Way Networks/ TriaGnoSys solution provides full 3G operability, based
on UMTS - as well as high quality multimedia, transmission rates are many
times faster than older technologies, and it includes access to a
high-speed data connection.  It also allows point to point
communications within the site without going over the satellite,
providing further cost savings.

 

The new solution offers huge advantages over current satellite
telephony: it is effectively creating a secure network which can support
up to 100 devices at any one time; it uses UMTS - the most up-to-date
mobile technology available; and it is cost effective: a picocell costs
around the same as a current satellite telephony equipment while
allowing many more users, and the bandwidth costs are low.

 

Prof. Giovanni E. Corazza, Chairman of the Task Force on Advanced
Satellite Mobile Systems (ASMS-TF), said,  “The time is ripe for 3G over
satellite to become a reality, to enable the provision of advanced mobile
services exploiting the satellite assets to provide wide coverage and
flexible connectivity.  The entire satellite communications
community is moving strongly in this direction.”

 

Simon Albury, 3Way Networks Sales and Marketing VP, said, “Initially, we
anticipate that the main users will be the military, aid NGOs, private
ships and business jets.  Indeed, we will shortly be starting trials with
a number of NATO forces.  The solution will allow the rapid
deployment of a secure 3G infrastructure virtually anywhere in the world,
providing a local communications centre which will be invaluable in remote
areas, for example during conflicts or when administering aid. The low per
minute call costs and the high call quality make the
solution a good option not only for ‘business’ use, but for the first time
it will also be viable for the important morale-boosting personal calls
and emails.”

 

Axel Jahn, Director of TriaGnoSys, said, “The solution will provide a
sophisticated onboard communications system for the air transport and
maritime markets.  It can be used both for passengers and crew to remain
in touch with the outside world, as well as communicating onboard.  The
combination of 3Way Network’s world-leading UMTS technology expertise and
TriaGnoSys’ experience of optimising cellular backhauling over satellites
makes this a unique market proposition that modernises
satellite telephony.”
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