SATELLITE INTERNET REACHES COLOMBIA

Inmarsat launched for first time in Colombia the first satellite communication mobile system, BGAN (High Speed Global Network) that offers phone communication and Internet access from laptops and other devices. Up to a few weeks, having high speed internet was impossible in the whole country: rural distant areas, where phone networks do not reach and never the less cable TV. The only alternatives were satellite and cellular connections through mobile operator plans. However, the first one does not offer the flexibility that some businesses or projects require (communication media, petroleum exploitation, etc), but Colombian cellular reach maximum speeds of 120 kilobytes per second (Kbps).

BGAN plug-in (that are the equivalent to modems in other connection types) have a similar maximum size as a laptop allowing their users to access all Internet services (Web, email, messages, corporate network access, videoconferences, video and audio streaming, etc), and additionally they can work as satellite or internet phones. These small devices can be connected to your laptop, palm computers, smart phones and cellular through an Ethernet cable or wireless, via Wi-Fie or Bluetooth. Aurelio Gomez, general director of Latin America Inmarsat, affirmed that “BGAN offers high speed Internet in areas were other servers are not present. The plug-in are small and flexible and can be charged in areas with no electricity, through solar panels or with a car battery.�

Internet or phone signal reaches 85% of the worlds territory and 98% of the worlds population through the I-4 satellites of Inmarsat that for now reach speeds of 492 Kbps, with a 256 Kbps average (it is important to highlight that although Inmarsal says that these speeds are high speed internet, the new Colombian regulation considers that the minimum speed for high speed internet is 512 Kbps). The service is for businesses – not for home usage because of its high costs – and according to Aurelio Gomez, the primary markets are media communication (within their clients we find BBC and CNN chain), petroleum exploitation, mineries, construction, military and political forces companies. In Colombia, Inmarsat already has clients in all these sectors.

The service does not have flat rates; however, it is charged by usage. Therefore, for example, one minute of phone satellite communication costs around UD. 0.9 (although it is charged in dollars), videoconference service costs between UD.10 to 20 according to the quality required and Internet access service starts at UD. 5 per megabyte (Mb) transferred.

By flrxp on Nov 20, 2007, 16:42 in Friendly Talkzone.

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Atrevido (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 20, 2007, 19:00: What is "UD. 0.9"? And, are you saying this divice could be used with a laptop in Nuquí to access the internet? 0 funny, 0 helpful.

MrBird says on Nov 21, 2007, 14:05: I'm gonna guess that is United States Dollars 9 cents... 0 funny, 0 helpful.

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