Posted by Brian Fry on Tue, May 08, 2012 @ 11:25 AM
The Iridium AxcessPoint works for the Iridium 9555 satellite phone and the Iridium 9575 Extreme. AxcessPoint is a lightweight, portable device that connects via USB cable to the Iridium handset and creates a Wi-Fi hotspot. It establishes a narrowband internet connection primarily suited for email messaging and browsing mobile websites. Our customers have found that the AxcessPoint is a simplel ‘plug & play’ unit however when setting it up keep these points in mind.
A Connection call
Once you’ve plugged in the unit, there is not much that you need to do in order to start sending emails. Just detect the Wi-Fi hotspot and you are connected. The connection speed is 4.2kbps so is it not recommended for internet browsing. Iridium has an email compression software that comes with the AxcessPoint called Mail and Web that you will need to download from www.iridium.com/axcesspoint . Or you can use our free service of GMPCS Speedmail. Also, there is an iPhone App that allows you to send and receive compressed emails once you are set up.
It is important to note: When the AxcessPoint is connected to the Iridium satellite phone and it is turned on, a connection (phone call) is established and it is kept until AxcessPoint is turned off or unplugged from the Iridium Phone.
Also do not use high bandwidth applications made for terrestrial networks such as video or music.
Secure your Wi-Fi
When you create the Wi-Fi hotspot with AxcessPoint you should make sure it is secure. Iridium AxcessPoint can be password protected. The default setting is not to require a password for access to the Wi-Fi hotspot. Follow the steps below to set the password:
- Turn ON Iridium AxcessPoint.
- Connect to Iridium AxcessPoint to your Wi-Fi laptop via the Wi-Fi connection.
- Open a web browser and connect to Iridium AxcessPoint’s IP address: http://192.168.0.1 This will bring you to the Administrative Page.
- Enter your Iridium AxcessPoint’s password that is the last six digits of the MAC address (can be found on the back of the device).
- On the Basic screen, under Wireless Security Mode, select WEP or WPA-PSK for security mode.
- In the Preshared key field, you can change the password. The default password is “12345678”.
- Save settings.
- Iridium AxcessPoint will reboot automatically.
You have now set the password for your Iridium AxcessPoint. The new password will be required to access your iridium Wi-Fi hotspot.
For more information, please contact GMPCS at +1-954-973-3100
Posted by Brian Fry on Thu, Apr 12, 2012 @ 09:16 AM
GMPCS Personal Communications, Inc. (GMPCS) has entered into a strategic partnership with Quicklink Video Distribution Services Ltd (Quicklink) for the distribution of Quicklink video products. GMPCS is pleased to offer the
complete
Quicklink video distribution product line, fully integrated with GMPCS’s suite of mobile satellite services, available on the Inmarsat-BGAN and VSAT-IP platforms. By installing the Quicklink
Live streaming and store-&-forward software onto a laptop or using Quicklink advanced SD/HD hardware encoders, embedded journalists and other organizations using GMPCS’s services can now broadcast live or file-based video transmissions via mobile satellite terminals, cellular or terrestrial networks.
“As we have seen last year during Arab Spring, broadcasters are requiring true mobility for streaming live video as well as highly reliable Internet access from remote regions,” said Tim Young, GMPCS’s Vice President of Business Development. “Quicklink products allow one person to broadcast live video and audio from nearly anywhere in the world carrying nothing more than a backpack with a BGAN and laptop, or even simply an iPhone.”
Via the GMPCS and Quicklink partnership, clients have “one-stop-shopping” for the video software and hardware products required for this type of laptop-news-gathering as well as satellite terminals and airtime service. Quicklink is a world leader in this niche, offering best-in-class solutions for achieving superb video and audio quality even from slow internet connections. Quicklink’s new remote mobile, live streaming “Merlin” backpack encoder and the “QMM” Media Manager designed for channeling multiple live streams to multiple simultaneous play-outs in the cloud and via SDI, are the latest products to be exhibited at this year’s NAB2012 show in Las Vegas.
Pete Watling, Quicklink’s Head of Americas Sales, added, “We are excited to partner with GMPCS and its Network Innovations’ Group affiliates to reach further into North America and other regions and markets. With their broad portfolio of satellite services and knowledgeable staff, we feel our mutual and prospective clients will be served even better than ever.”
Please visit us at NAB: GMPCS - SU-5002 and Quicklink - SU-10009.
Posted by Brian Fry on Tue, Feb 07, 2012 @ 10:20 AM
Choosing the correct satellite phone can be a big task for personal use or for your business. Now, there are more options for handheld satellite phones than ever before. The major players for handheld satellite phones are Iridium, Inmarsat and Thuraya.
We also understand there may be many seemingly basic questions you have when it comes to choosing a satellite phone. That is why we are offering a complete comparison chart at the end of this Blog.
First thing you should know is a satellite telephone connects you to an orbiting constellation of satellites instead of land based terrestrial cell sites. Satellite phones provide similar functionality to terrestrial mobile telephones including voice, short messaging service (SMS) and low-bandwidth internet access. Having this connectivity to voice and data via satellite makes a satellite phone extremely useful in times of need. The satellite phone system is not hindered by natural disasters where land services might be hindered by hurricanes, earthquakes or floods. The three major players of handheld satellite phones have their own unique satellite constellations.
The Thuraya satellite phones work on the Thuraya satellite system consisting of 2 geostationary satellites. These satellites are located over Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia. Currently Thuraya does not work in the Americas. If you are traveling to the regions Thuraya covers, be sure to check out the Thuraya XT satellite phone.
The Iridium 9575 Extreme satellite phone uses a 66 low Earth orbiting satellite system that covers the entire Earth including the Polar Regions. If you are looking for a satellite phone with true global capabilities Iridium is the way to go. Some users have experienced a dropped call with the Iridium constellations, and that may be caused by the satellite moving below the horizon. With all satellite phones you will have the best connectivity in a clearing with a broad view of the sky.
Inmarsat has an extremely reliable satellite constellation of 3 geostationary satellites. The IsatPhone Pro is Inmarsat’s handheld satellite phone. The IsatPhone Pro gets great coverage over the Earth but will not work in the Polar Regions. A benefit to the IsatPhone Pro is once the phone is connected to the satellite, it is highly unlikely to drop the call. It is important to note that registering on the Inmarsat network with the IsatPhone Pro takes just over a minute because the phone needs to obtain a GPS fix before placing a call.
With a basic understanding of the 3 major satellite networks, it will be easier to choose the right satellite phone. We have an excellent comparison chart on the handheld satellite phones that you can view by clicking here. As always if you have a question we can answer call us at +1-954-973-3100
Posted by Brian Fry on Wed, Feb 01, 2012 @ 11:27 AM
With the latest IsatPhone Pro firmware from Inmarsat, your IsatPhone Pro satellite phone can become an emergency personal alert device. The personal alert feature allows users to send their GPS coordinates and short message to predetermined recipients. The IsatPhone Pro subscriber can save time and money with the personal alert option. This new feature is similar to the SOS button on the Iridium Extreme satellite phone.
The personal alert feature enables a user to send their GPS position, along with a short pre-configured message, as an email or text message, to a maximum of 10 recipients. Personal alerts can be sent quickly whilst maximizing reliability. This is achieved by restricting the alert to one 160 character message, and mailing to each recipient separately. Each message sent is charged separately.
The personal alert is made up of the following elements:
- Last GPS fix, time of GPS acquisition and fix accuracy
- Time that the personal alert was triggered on the phone
- Email address of the recipient if the alert is sent as an email
- A short message predefined by the user, written in Latin characters
It is fairly simple to set up and activate the personal alert on the IsatPhone Pro satellite phone. To do this, make sure that you have the latest version of the IsatPhone Pro firmware. To check your firmware, choose menu > settings > about. You should have firmware version v5.0.0 or higher, if not contact GMPCS tech support at 954-973-3100
To set up and activate a personal alert, select Extras > Personal alert > Edit personal alert. Select Configure personal alert, and edit the recipients and the message.
Once your IsatPhone Pro is set up for personal alerts the quickest way to send a personal alert is to press * and # simultaneously for at least 2 seconds from the main screen. The antenna must be deployed and your IsatPhone Pro connected to the satellite to successfully send personal alert messages. Any questions regarding this new feature, please call GMPCS 954-973-3100.
Posted by Brian Fry on Fri, Jan 20, 2012 @ 02:44 PM
Would you like to get more from your satellite phone? Maybe you are familiar with sending and receiving voice and text messages with your satellite phone, but might be looking for more. Well did you know that you can use your Iridium or IsatPhone Pro as a modem to send and receive emails? You can, and GMPCS has the best solution for you - It’s called SpeedMail.
GMPCS SpeedMail is a wireless compression software designed for data transfer over satellite connections. It allows access to fast and reliable email while in remote locations. It works with several satellite devices including: Inmarsat and Iridium satellite phones, FleetBroadband, BGAN and VSAT. If you are using any of these devices without web and mail compression, you are spending too much time and money. GMPCS SpeedMail is up to 15 times faster than slow uncompressed airtime connections to internet based email systems. Also SpeedMail can reduce satellite airtime costs by as much as 85%.
Maritime users connect with SpeedMail for enhanced performance web browsing allowing them to pull weather maps . Photo journalists are able to send high resolution photos back to the newsroom faster and at a lower cost with SpeedMail. Let GMPCS SpeedMail be a value added service for your satellite communications.
You can download SpeedMail for free from the GMPCS website. Currently we are waiving any activation fee and the service is only $12.95 per month. With the reduction of satellite airtime costs you will receive from SpeedMail, it pays for itself. The service is Iridium certified and approved for Inmarsat and VSAT terminals.
Make your airtime count with fast reliable satellite communications and data solutions. Let us answer any questions you may have. Visit gmpcs-us.com or call +1-954-973-3100
GMPCS SpeedMail works with Inmarsat BGAN, Iridium Extreme and Iridium 9555 as well as FleetBroadband and IsatPhone Pro and more…
Posted by Brian Fry on Thu, Jan 19, 2012 @ 03:18 PM
New accessories are now available for the Iridium 9575 Extreme satellite phone. If you have purchased the Iridium Extreme you may want to invest in an additional battery or leather case. Now available from BEAM communications are the Extreme Docking stations exclusive for the Iridium Extreme satellite phone.
Satellite phone users often have concerns with using a satellite phone indoors. Even though the handheld satellite phone alone does not work indoors there are docking stations from BEAM Communications that allow for satellite communications indoors.
The Iridium Extreme Dockers come in three different styles: the LiteDOCK, PotsDOCK and the DriveDock. Each of these Dockers has their own specific features to work in several applications.
The most affordable of the three Extreme Dockers is the LiteDock Extreme. At $250 from GMPCS you can have this Docker installed at a fixed site or in a vehicle. The LiteDOCK Extreme will charge the Iridium Extreme handheld phone while it is docked. The LiteDOCK supports the Iridium Extreme’s tracking and SOS function as well as USB data capabilities.
The PotsDOCK Extreme includes more options for the Iridium Extreme. Once docked in the PotsDock Extreme, the Iridium Extreme satellite phone can be integrated into a PBX system. Other features include RJ11/POTS connectivity, Bluetooth, built-in ringer and SOS alert notifications.
The DriveDOCK Extreme provides hands-free communications for mobile applications. The docking station has built-in echo canceling and full duplex technologies to provide superior voice quality and professional hands-free or privacy calls for any vehicle, boat or aircraft.
All of the Extreme Dockers from BEAM are fully certified by Iridium and are RoHS compliant. BEAM also offers a 2 year replacement guarantee on the Extreme Dockers. For a comparison chart on these three Dockers you can click here.
BEAM Communications also makes similar Dockers for the IsatPhone Pro and Iridium 9555 satellite phones.
Posted by Brian Fry on Tue, Jan 03, 2012 @ 03:42 PM
GMPCS Personal Communications is helping you start the New Year with discounts on satellite phones and satellite equipment. We are still promoting our IsatPhone Pro Satellite phone for $590 and the Inmarsat BGAN Explorer 500 with a $660 instant rebate.
New this month is our elite marine items on eBay. We have the lowest price on NEW Aqualuma Underwater boat lights. Also GPS SPOT HUG units for your boat.
The SPOT HUG is a Satellite-based GPS Security System to protect your boat from theft while delivering everyday peace of mind and emergency assistance when you need it. When you are away from your boat, SPOT HUG ensures it remains safe. Using state-of-the-art satellite technology, SPOT HUG monitors your boat against theft even from remote areas beyond cellular coverage.
A device such as the SPOT HUG is required on certain types of boats, including those with multi-engine outboard motors. The insurance group Chartis says that the SPOT HUG meets their minimum requirements and also allows them to offer discounts on insurance.
SPOT HUG Not only helps qualify boat owners for insurance coverage that may be otherwise difficult to obtain but can help them save money each year while protecting their valuable assets on and off the water.
The MSRP for a SPOT HUG is $449.95 however with the GMPCS sale on eBay, the bidding starts $250.00. You can view the SPOT HUG for sale here or view all of our discounted eBay items here.
Happy New Year from GMPCS
Posted by Brian Fry on Thu, Dec 08, 2011 @ 10:13 AM
From discounts on Inmarsat BGAN and the IsatPhone Pro satellite phone. To a $50 rebate on the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger, GMPCS has a cyber deal for your holiday season. Giving the gift of peace of mind with satellite communications has benefits for everyone.
Keep the outdoor adventurer in your life safe with a simple low cost SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger. The SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger provides a vital line of communication with friends and family when you want it and emergency assistance when you need it. For the month of December SPOT offers a $50 mail in rebate on their equipment, bringing the cost below $100. GMPCS offers the line of SPOT products that can be found here. The rebate on equipment can be found online at www.findmeSPOT.com/rebate50
Want voice communications to stay in touch with your family? The IsatPhone Pro from Inmarsat is priced several hundred dollars below its competitors. Also the IsatPhone Pro is a global satellite phone that allows you to make calls, send texts and emails from any remote location. For the season GMPCS is lowing that cost even more with an exclusive IsatPhone Pro Executive kit. The reliable IsatPhone Pro satellite phone Executive Kit with a protective pelican case is on sale for $590! You can view this product and order it here.
Do you need broadband access in a remote area, or need a gift for a remote entrepreneur? Inmarsat has Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) terminals that are portable and offer high speed internet as well as voice communications. GMPCS has greatly reduced the price of the Thrane & Thrane Explorer 500 BGAN. This small portable BGAN terminal can allow for multiple users access broadband data while simultaneously making a satellite phone call. The BGAN Explorer 500 is quick and easy to set up, more information on this promo and the device can be found here.
GMPCS will be running the above equipment discounts through the Holiday season. For support or questions please call us at 954-973-3100
Posted by Brian Fry on Mon, Dec 05, 2011 @ 01:05 PM
The new Iridium Extreme satellite phone is equipped with a dedicated SOS button. Now Iridium Extreme users can obtain emergency assistance anywhere in the world through Travel Safety Group Limited (GEOS). The Iridium Extreme user program offered by GEOS gives you access to the global emergency support services, at no additional charge.
This included emergency response service will enable customers to obtain support in the event of an emergency. Customers will be able to talk to a GEOS representative to describe the emergency and send their current location to assist GEOS in coordinating a response with the local public responders. This service enhances the value of the programmable SOS button by providing a fully integrated safety service included with the Iridium Extreme for Iridium service subscribers. There are no additional access charges for this service and only standard Iridium airtime usage charges for the emergency phone call and messages will apply.
The dedicated SOS button on the Iridium Extreme satellite phone is located on the top of the handheld device. It has a protective cover to prevent false alarms.
To enable your services, you must first visit the GEOS web site and complete your registration at: www.geosalliance.com/iridium Emergency services are only available once registration is complete and with a valid Iridium subscription. When you register for the service at the above site there is an area to add any medical information that you would consider to be useful to the responders at the time of an emergency.
For information on the Iridium Extreme or to place an order view our product page here.
Posted by Brian Fry on Thu, Dec 01, 2011 @ 02:21 PM
When you purchase a Thrane & Thrane Explorer 500 BGAN with airtime, GMPCS will take more than $660 off the equipment price. This great deal is available now from GMPCS.
With a BGAN It's quick and easy to set up for voice calls, email, web-browsing and videoconferencing applications. Also BGAN has global coverage on the reliable Inmarsat satellite system. The Explorer 500 is the perfect choice if you are looking for a small and lightweight voice and broadband data communications device. The Explorer 500 allows multiple users to check e-mails while placing a call back to the office or home.
This discounted price on the Thrane Explorer 500 BGAN is just in time for Holiday shoppers. The MSRP on the Thrane Explorer 500 is $3,562. With the GMPCS special, the price comes down to $2,899. So if you have been waiting on getting a BGAN to communicate anywhere, now is the time. For the instant discount on equipment you will need to purchase a Postpaid airtime service. We have simple plans to choose from which can be viewed on our BGAN airtime page. For more information on this equipment special view our BGAN 500 discount page here. Or you can call a GMPCS sales representative to help you: (954) 725-3100