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TC Communications answers the questions about calling emergencies numbers from satellite phones in Australia 23rd June 2011 allsatphones website is the source of information for IsatPhone Pro - Inmarsat's new handheld satellite phone With the launch of the affordable IsatPhone Pro in Australia this year, satellite communications has become a viable option for many travelling Australians. Satellite phones now cost as little as $599 + GST and calls cost less than a dollar a minute from anywhere in the world. Increased use has opened up discussions regarding the use of satellite phones in emergency situations. TC is seeking to clear up any confusion that may exist in the market place by releasing a document on emergency calling which is available to clients, potential clients and other IsatPhone Pro users. By its very nature a satellite phone is your perfect emergency communications tool. Satellites are not affected by natural disasters, are not dependent on GSM coverage and are built to be robust and 'adventure proof'. They work anywhere in the world - on land or at sea - and even come with their own country code which allows you to use them around the globe without incurring any form of roaming costs. Furthermore, with an IsatPhone Pro you can send your GPS location data to anyone at the push of a button: peace of mind for anyone travelling to a remote location. Unlike an EPIRB emergency beacon you can use your IsatPhone as a full communications tool and do not have to be in a severe accident or emergency to send location data. So (as in the case of a recent client) if you are five hours into an outback trip, hit a pothole, get a flat tyre and don't have a working jack, you don't need to worry about the costs and embarrassment of sending out an EPIRB alert for a 'non-life threatening' incident. Just call for help and send your position data - all from your IsatPhone Pro. However, it is this global nature of the IsatPhone Pro that causes confusion when it comes to dialling local emergency numbers. As calls are carried through an international gateway rather than an Australian-based terrestrial network they do not recognise the Australian short dial emergency numbers such as 000 and 112. In addition - as a satellite service - the Isatphone Pro is exempt from the Telecommunications Emergency Call Service Determination. TC therefore recommends that you pre-program emergency contacts in your phone so that they can contact the relevant emergency service agency on your behalf should the occasion arise. Recognising that sometimes our friends and family don't answer the phone, TC has also compiled a list of numbers that will be very useful for anyone setting off an that 'great Australian adventure'. This list is available at the allsatphones website. This website is a great tool for all 'IsatPhone Pro adventurers' where you can:
You can also join the allsatphones adventure club where you will be able to submit photos of your remote travels and be in the running for great prizes (and web fame!) and share hints and tips with your fellow adventurers. Note: TC Communications first Australia owned company to be appointed direct Inmarsat Distribution Partner A true coming of age for Australian satellite communications!
Whilst 21 years is the traditional 'coming of age' ceremony in Australia, TC Communications celebrated this milestone a year early with its appointment as a direct Inmarsat Distribution Partner for Isatphone Pro at its 20th birthday celebration this month.
At a combined 20th anniversary/Isatphone DP launch event held at the Sky Venue at the top of Sydney Tower, Inmarsat VP, Mr Chris D'Aguiar, announced the appointment of TC as an Inmarsat DP - officially formalising a relationship between TC Communications and Inmarsat that has existed for the entire 20 years of TC's existence. Inmarsat has a select few Distribution Partners throughout the world and TC Communications is the only Australian owned and managed company to be awarded this status.
Todd McDonell, CEO of TC Communications states "the appointment of TC as an Inmarsat DP is a validation of the continual efforts we have made over the past twenty years to ensure that TC is an Australian company playing on the world stage with industry leading technology. We have made considerable investment in research and development over the past twenty years to ensure our client base within this region have access to world leading solutions - many of which we have had to develop in response to the particular requirements of the Australian satellite communications customer. We thank Inmarsat for this DP appointment which recognises both our expertise in the industry and the necessity for an indigenous company to service the particular needs of the Australian satellite phone user."
Over 70 clients, employees and media representatives attended the event which included presentations by Antarctic adventurer and environmentalist, Tim Jarvis and a live video cross (via Inmarsat BGAN) to acclaimed surf photographer Joel Coleman (www.saltmotion.com) who is in search of the perfect wave in Chile, whilst maintaining business communications with his Sydney gallery with an Isatphone Pro.
The Isatphone Pro is a real game changer in Australia - a huge continent which is often traversed by people who have no reliable means of communication outside of cellular range. Whilst, as a nation, we like to 'go bush' to get away from it all - or to work on remote mining and construction sites - as individuals we have become accustomed to an instant means of communicating with friends and family.
The Isatphone Pro is the first satellite phone which has made this form of communication both accessible and affordable - with call rates cheaper than that on many prepaid cellular networks and the phone itself costing around the same amount as an I-Pad. Further, as it is an Inmarsat phone, it is a global service which is provided by the world's most reliable mobile satellite network on its latest satellite constellation. With calls valued at less than $1 per minute - anywhere in the world - why would you ever pay a mobile network roaming charge again?
To learn more about TC's Isatphone Pro offering, visit the main company website at www.tc.com.au or the satellite phone specific entity www.allsatphones.com. To view photos from the launch event, visit the TC Communications facebook page.
For more information, interviews or review terminals contact Diana Minglis, Marketing Manager at dianam@tc.com.au TC Communications' CEO, Todd McDonell to speak at Australasia Satellite Forum in Sydney on Wednesday, 30th March March 30 2011 NBN continues to be a hot topic for satellite community forum but what of Mobile Satellite solutions? The satellite industry continues to debate the pros and cons of NBN Co and the possibility of 'scope creep' into traditional satellite markets. As such, it is anticipated that discussions will become heated at today's forum - hosted by talk Satellite and COMMSDAY at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney. With this in mind, TC Communications continues to strive towards providing innovative and sophisticated value-add solutions to differentiate itself within the niche satellite market in the region. In recognition of TC's leading edge position in the market, Todd McDonell has been invited to sit on the Maritime/Aeronautical/COTM panel at the Australasian Satellite Forum. Todd is concerned that the NBN debate does not hijack all satellite development conversations in Australia. He explains, With the introduction of things like IPv6, ubiquity of connectivity is likely to become the norm as everything gets its own IP address. As a result, the question will always be how to get the network connection to the address. TC Communications continues to invest in the development of this mobile sector and Todd will be available to discuss this at today's Forum. Sailors with DisABILITIES leading the communications race in this year's Rolex Sydney Hobart December 23, 2010 Whatever challenges the Sailors with disABILITIES crew encounters in its Rolex Sydney Hobart bid next week, staying connected won't be one of them, thanks to Australian technology companies TC Communications and BEAM Communications These communications companies have donated an Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro satellite telephone and BEAM IsatDock MARINE which will allow the Sailors with disABILITIES crew to stay in touch, spread the word and track their progress during the race, which begins on Boxing Day, December 26. During the challenging event the IsatPhone Pro will prove its claim as the world's most rugged and dependable global satellite phone. The IsatDOCK will ensure the handset is kept safe and dry inside a quality marine-standard enclosure (with an Ingress Protection rating of 55) in the harsh Rolex Sydney Hobart environment. Sailors with disABILITIES is a not-for-profit organisation founded in 1994. It uses integrated sailing as a medium to deliver free programs to disabled and disadvantaged children, adults and their carers. Sailors with disABILITIES is committed to changing society's perception of people with disabilities, and the way they regard themselves, by providing the tools to build confidence and self-esteem. The organisation's vision is for people with disabilities to take ownership of their circumstances and create vehicles to demonstrate what can be achieved. Sydney-based marine electronic dealer, Olectric Systems, brought Sailors with disABILITIES to the attention of TC Communications as a recipient of this satellite kit. Olectric provides premium electrical and electronics services to the marine industry and has worked with TC Communications to bring satellite communications capabilities to the Rolex Sydney Hobart competitors for many years. Olectric suggested the Sailors with disABILITIES entry could benefit greatly from the capabilities the IsatPhone and MARINE dock would bring to their TP52 yacht Wot Eva and have donated its staff's labour to install this unit on board. "The satellite phone allows us to stay contactable for media interviews and spread the Sailors with disABILITIES message for the duration of the upcoming Rolex Sydney Hobart Race, and during all the other events up and down the Eastern Seaboard that we participate in throughout the year," comments Brett Pearce, Sailors with disABILITIES spokesperson. "Its standalone communication is a great feature and if we have to leave the boat this communication link continues, allowing maximum safety." The IsatPhone Pro has been purpose-built for the Inmarsat network. The global satellite phone is designed to work in just about any conditions, which makes it perfect for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht race. TC Communications is a long-time supporter of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race – having developed the initial SatTracker system deployed on all participating yachts. TC Communications has donated both the IsatPhone and any associated airtime charges made by the crew in their journey of awareness. Beam Communications designed and manufactured the IsatDock MARINE and has donated a marine docking unit, antenna and cable to the Sailors with disABILITIES yacht. The IsatDOCK MARINE is specifically designed for use in harsher environments. Its IP55 rating protects the IsatPhone Pro from water or dust. The intelligent dock can be used with connection to RJ11/POTS phone for standard corded/cordless or DECT handsets and has the option for hands-free or privacy mode. The docking unit incorporates a privacy handset so the IsatPhone Pro need never be removed from its enclosure during calls and will always be charged. The dock also has an inbuilt GPS tracking module for periodic alert location messages and an alert feature for sending alert messages via SMS or SMS to email. This equipment is at the cutting edge of technology, so new in fact that it was granted approval for commercial service in Australia as of today, December 23, 2010. As befits an organisation with its mission, Sailors with disABILITIES will be the leaders in the communications race at this year's Rolex Sydney Hobart. With a world-class technology team behind them, (comprising: Australia's premier marine electronics dealer, Olectric; Inmarsat's sole manufacturer of IsatPhone Docks in the world, Beam Communications; and TC Communications, the region's acknowledged satellite communications specialist and only Gold Accredited Inmarsat Provider), Sailors with disABILITIES will be able to spread its message to an even greater audience and change the perception of people with disabilities in Australia. For further information, images and interviews please contact:
TC Communications equips Victorian authorities with real-time satellite data 17/03/10 Fire fighting aircraft given access to global Inmarsat satellite network Sydney, Australia March 17, 2010 – Fire-spotting aircraft managed by Victoria’s State Aircraft Unit (SAU) have been given the alibility to share to real-time data on fire activity using satellite data feeds. The new solution provides commanders at any of the 43 incident control centres throughout the state with access to real-time snapshots of fire activity, enabling more effective fire fighting strategies. The solution also provides simultaneous voice and data communications at broadband speeds direct from the plane into headquarters. The new functionality follows the deployment of Australia’s first SwiftBroadband Lite terminals on the aircraft from Australian satellite communications specialist TC Communications, which gives the SAU access to Inmarsat’s I-4 satellite network. TC Communications is an Inmarsat Gold Partner and provides Australian businesses with access to Inmarsat’s global satellite communications network. In December 2009, the company installed the first of the SwiftBroadband Lite terminals into SAU’s Super King Air B200 plane. The second terminal was installed in late February into SAU’s Cessna 404 Titan plane. “For us, this means providing regular real-time snapshots of a fire zone – regardless of how remote the location,” says Adam Damen, Technical Systems Specialist, SAU. “The system has also been designed to allow for remote access to fire data which means we can assist other regions with their fire fighting capabilities. “We recently sent one of our planes to Tasmania to assist with a small bushfire north west of Hobart. We were able to fly down, transmit the data and fly back to the mainland without ever having to land the plane – a huge success both in terms of the cost of the mission and the capability provided.” As well as mapping fire activity, Victoria’s fire agencies also use the technology to assist in planning for resources needed to fight fires. “In January, we responded to a call for assistance in the Mallee region, which borders South Australia and New South Wales in Victoria’s North West,” says Damen. “We were able to assist the fire fighting authorities by mapping the area they had water bombed to see how effective it was in containing the fire. We were also able to provide information to help the authorities plan for resources needed to continue fighting the fire the next day.” Damen says that aircraft have played an important role in fire fighting for well over two decades, and while fire fighting technology has come a long way over the years, the catastrophic events surrounding the February 2009 bushfires in Victoria have required new approaches to firefighting. “I recall a period in the 1980s when firefighting planes would fly over a fire zone and print the images onto spools of paper, which would then be interpreted and the findings put into a tube and dropped onto an empty cricket pitch for pick-up. “In the 2000s, we were able to transfer the fire data via radio modems, which was fine until we got new planes and our flying speeds were faster than the communications system,” he adds. “The solution then was to orbit in circles over the radio sites until the data was transferred, or land and deliver the data via USB before taking off again to fly back over the fire site. Not only was this very expensive in terms of the cost of each sortie, but it was also costly in terms of the age of the data, which was often a few hours old by the time it reached the command posts for analysis.” The launch of Inmarsat’s I-4 network in February 2009 delivered satellite mobile broadband services to the whole of Australia, however aeronautical satellite communications have traditionally been a luxury only available to larger aero platforms and budgets. TC Communications provided SAU with a solution based on the Thrane & Thrane Aero SB-LITE terminal, which is approximately half the size and weight of traditional satellite communications systems. This gives small-to mid-size aircraft access to the type of technology which was previously unavailable due to the size of their platforms. Todd McDonell, CEO of TC Communications, says providing satellite communications capabilities to small aircraft will assist Australian authorities manage the country’s unique environmental factors that cause catastrophic natural disasters. “We have had great success over the years in installing aircraft communications systems on larger aircraft like those used by the Australian Border Protection Command,” says McDonell. “However the current advances in technology allow us to take satellite communications capabilities to a much broader market and deliver the benefits to the wider community. “As an immense landmass with many remote regions, small-to mid-size aircraft are the preferred aero platform in Australia, and the potential for productivity and economy of this type of aircraft has improved significantly with the ability to install mobile broadband capabilities.” “The Victorian SAU project and the solution provided by TC Communications is the perfect example of how Inmarsat and SwiftBroadband benefits a much greater range of aircraft operators than has ever been possible before with previous generations of satellite services,” says David Coiley, Inmarsat’s Aeronautical Business Director. “TC Communications has delivered a state-of-the-art solution for SAU, fully exploiting SwiftBroadband’s higher data rates and smaller aircraft equipment.” The SAU is an initiative of the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE). The SAU provides specialist aviation resources to satisfy fire and land management objectives in the state of Victoria. The SAU maintained a fleet of 40 aircraft in the 2009/10 fire season, including one DC10 air tanker, two Erickson Aircranes, and the two infrared scanning aircraft – the Super King Air B200 and Cessna 404 Titan. TC Communications installs Australia's first Swift Broadband Lite Solution on Victorian Fire Spotting planes In the wake of the February 2009 bush-fire catastrophe, the Victorian government has acquired new approaches to firefighting.
TC Communications worked closely with the SUA to develop and deliver a system that allows full broadband functionality to the planes regardless of how remote their location and despite how small the aircraft. Todd McDonell, CEO of TC Communications, says providing satellite communications capabilities to small aircraft will assist Australian authorities to manage the country's unique environmental factors that cause catastrophic natural disasters. TC Communications is an Inmarsat Gold Partner and recognised Australian aeronautical satcom specialist. With the completion of the second installation of the Thrane&Thrane SwiftBroadband Lite terminals into the SUA's Super King B200 and Cessna 404 Titan planes, the feedback from the client has been all positive. More Efiiciency and Cost Effective Missions As well as mapping fire activity, Victorian fire agencies also use the technology to assist in planning for resources needed to fight fires by mapping the areas that are fire bombed and monitoring the effectiveness of the method in containing fires. They can also scan the speed and direction of the fire front to enable projections to be made regarding future fire activity and resources required to address this. No More Flying in Circles Over Radio Sites or Dropping Findings onto Empty Fields The SAU is an initiative of the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE). The SAU provides specialist aviation resources to satisfy fire and land management objectives in the state of Victoria. The SAU maintained a fleet of 40 aircraft in the 2009/10 fire season, including one DC10 air tanker, two Erickson Aircranes, and the two infrared scanning aircraft – the Super King Air B200 and Cessna 404 Titan. TC Communications: The only Gold Accredited Inmarsat Service Provider in Australia The recent awarding of Inmarsat Gold Accreditation to TC Communications has been built upon years of experience, research and development by this Australian owned and managed Satellite Communications company. With a stable of clients including local and international defence forces, Federal and State government departments, major Australian and international media organisations and blue chip clients within the Mining, Resource, and Construction industries - TC has built a reputation on providing a GOLD level of service across design, installation and support of remote communications systems. Inmarsat's Gold Accreditation confirms what this client base has known for years - that TC is the trusted name for satellite communications in the region. The accreditation process was exhaustive and included competency requirements in Customer Service, Technical Support and Sales. Inmarsat has introduced this accreditation process so as to ultimately enhance end-user customer satisfaction and enable end-users to make a more informed choice in regards to Inmarsat service providers. Diana Minglis, Marketing Manager of TC Communications comments "TC is very proud to have been named as the region's only Gold Service Provider and believe that the extra benefits and access to the Inmarsat network that this accreditation gives us will greatly benefit our clients in the provision of broadband connectivity, regardless of location".
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