The Broadband Global Area Network or BGAN for short, is a global Satellite Internet Network with telephony using portable terminals. The terminals are normally used to connect a laptop computer to broadband Internet in remote locations, although as long as line-of-sight to the satellite exists, the terminal can be used anywhere. The value of BGAN terminals is that unlike other satellite Internet services which require bulky & heavy satellite dishes to connect, a BGAN terminal is about the size of a laptop and thus can be carried easily. The network is provided by INMARSAT and uses three geostationary satellites called I4 to provide almost global coverage [1].
Downlink speeds of high-end BGAN terminals are up to 492kb/s and upload speeds slightly lower at 300-400kb/s. As with all satellite connections, latency is an issue. Common latency is 1 - 1.5 seconds round trip for the Background IP service. It is slightly better for the Streaming services at 800ms - 1 second. This latency is mainly due to the great distance that has to be traveled before a packet can reach the Internet. BGAN users frequently use PEP software or other TCP packet accelerators to improve performance.
BGAN terminals are made by multiple manufacturers. They all have similar capabilities. The main two that apply to basic BGAN usage are the Standard Background IP (Internet) and Telephone Voice. Data costs from the many ISPs that offer BGAN service averages about US$7.50 per Background Megabyte. Voice calling is on average US$1 per min and varies slightly based on the destination of the call (Land lines, Cell phones, other Satellite phones which are the most expensive).
BGAN is currently the fastest global data link available via a portable terminal. It can be easily set up by anyone, and has excellent voice calling quality. It works on the L band, avoiding rain fade and other issues of traditional larger satellite systems.
The actual process of connecting a BGAN terminal to the satellite is pretty straight forward. The terminal needs a line-of-sight to the geostationary satellite so a user would normally be outside, and have a general idea of what direction the satellite would be (with a compass if necessary). Turning the terminal slowly by hand, it will give some indication when the satellite is found. Then usually with the touch of one button, the terminal auto-negotiates with the satellite and connects. The average pointing time for a BGAN unit is 2 minutes, under a minute with an experienced user and a good signal. BGAN is being used in the world today for disaster response, telemedicine, business continuity, military use, and recreational use.
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