Internet World 2003: Inmarsat updates Regional BGAN with VPN support

By Alun Williams

Posted on 4 Jun 2003 at 13:23

Inmarsat has added virtual private network (VPN) support to its satellite modem Regional BGAN. VPNs provide mobile users with secure access to their business networks.

The relatively lightweight unit - weighing 16kg - is aimed at professional users who may find themselves needing wireless Net connectivity in places beyond the coverage of the nearest GSM mast or in countries without such infrastructure.

The notebook-sized modem supports data services over 144Kbit/sec channels - the functionality of GPRS networks at faster speeds is Inmarsat's claim - and has coverage in Europe, Russia, North Africa, and the Middle and Far East.

Regional BGAN also now supports the H.323 standard for videoconferencing and IP telephony, and Inmarsat claims it is now easier to configure for Mac users and those using older versions of Windows. There is USB/Ethernet/Bluetooth connectivity.

'These upgrades,' said Gill Govier, director of Land Business Development at Inmarsat, 'complete our solution for connectivity to the enterprise in a business climate that demands access to information and resources, as and when required.'

You can read a PC Pro review of the previous Regional BGAN satellite IP modem, from the February 2003 issue, here. More info from Inmarsat can be found at Inmarsat.com.