Inmarsat is a purveyor of mobile satellite communications and has been powering global connectivity for four decades.
On May 31, 2023 Viasat acquired Inmarsat (Viasat + Inmarsat). With this merger, there are integration processes and perhaps new product offerings that would benefit our audience. We will be updating this content when we get any information.
If you are more interested in basic connectivity around the world rather than broadband speeds and bulk transfers, and have money to spare, Inmarsat's consumer-based products and data plan offers may be of interest.
Products and Plan Information
IsatHub Savi & Service Plans
BGAN satelitte service covers the entire planet, other than the poles.
Rather than a big bulky dish and separate modem, a complete BGAN satellite system is about the size of a laptop computer – and it does not need to be carefully aimed and can usually be set up in a matter of minutes. Any Wi-Fi capable device can connect to it to get online.
The BGAN network by Inmarsat is generally aimed at providing global services to merchant maritime fleets, airlines, enterprise commercial, and government applications.
However, their IsatHub service is aimed more at individuals and small businesses.
The basic consumer-grade IsatHub terminal Wideeye iSavi by Addvalue costs around $1,200 – and is capable of "broadband" speeds of just 384Kbps down and 240Kbps up.
Download speeds of 384Kbps are not enough to even dream of streaming YouTube, but it is plenty for checking email and some basic old-school super-slow web surfing.
Faster, fancier, and more rugged enterprise-level BGAN terminals go way up in cost – but even the highest-end plans and radios top out at less than 512Kbps.
Data Plans
Data (BGAN network) is very expensive for this device and is sold by retailers rather than direct through Inmarsat. Typical pay-as-you-go plans are $74/month PLUS $6.99/MB ($6990/GB!)
Monthly data plans are also available starting at $63/month for 20/MB, $1,660/month for 1000MB, and 5,000MB for $2,625/month. Unlimited plans run from $3,579/month to $4,555/month, depending on length of contract.
The key to using BGAN is extreme data-usage management... or lots of income.
Fleet One & Service Plans
Inmarsat's Fleet One satellite communication system provides basic text, voice, and data service.
The external reception device is a 27''x26'' dome-shaped unit. This is paired with an indoor router unit. Between the two devices is offered: Ethernet (PoE) x2, RJ-11 / RJ-45, NMEA-0183 – GPS output, I/O connector x5 configurable inputs/outputs, Integral DHCP/NAT router, Built-in PBX TNC female (BDU), N-type female (ADU) antenna connectors, and a SIM card slot.
The Fleet One unit is priced anywhere from $2900 - $4000, depending on what a retailer packages with it. Inmarsat does not do direct sales.
Data Plans
Data (BGAN network) is very expensive for this device and is sold by retailers rather than direct through Inmarsat.
A sample of data limits and pricing can be noted in the image below:
News, Videos, & Status
We do not intend to obtain a setup to test.
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IsatHub iSavi : Bluesat
Fleet One Package: Satelitte Phone Store
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