Inmarsat offers broadband internet services using small portable or vehicular terminals. These include Inmarsat BGAN, FleetBroadband (for marine applications), and its new entry-level service called IsatHub.

Paying too much? What you can't see could be hurting you.

A common complaint by Inmarsat broadband users is that they experience higher usage costs than they originaly expected. The main reason for this is a lack of awareness of the typical usage patterns of modern computers and tablets. Notebook computers are configured to use the internet to update their software, check email, browse the web, backup data... all in the background.

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce or block background traffic while you are using an Inmarsat broadband device. Upcoming articles on this blog will give some practical examples of how to do this on Windows, Macintosh, iOS and Android platforms.

What is a MB anyway?

A bit is a 0 or a 1. A byte is 8 bits. A megabyte (MB) is 1024 x 1024 bytes or 8,388,608 bits. So, now you know.

Many users are not aware of how many megabytes are consumed by typical activities. Emailing a digital photo might consume between 0.5 MB and 5 MB. Visiting Google.com consumes about 0.25 MB -- before you even search for anything.

Standard IP internet access over Inmarsat is billed by the MB. A typical rate might be $6.95 per MB. A class II BGAN terminal, like the Cobham EXPLORER 510 could transmit at 300 kbps (typical). By the way 300 kbps is 300 x 1024 = 307,200 bits per second. So, at that rate, you can transmit a MB in 8,388,608 bits / 307,200 bits per second or 27.3 seconds. That means that at $6.95 per MB you can spend around $15 per minute. If you are one of those Inmarsat broadband users with higher than expected usage costs, hopefully I now have your attention.

Paying too much for Inmarsat internet access?

Fortunately, there are ways to block unseen background internet usage. There are also ways to control and limit necessary foreground usage. For example, you can compress web graphics or check email without downloading attachments.

As an Airbus Defense and Space Elite Partner, Outfitter Satellite has the resources and knowledge you need to empower you to reduce your unnecessary Inmarsat traffic. This article discusses firewalls and compression software. Future blogs will discuss Best Practices for individual operating systems.

Recommendation #1: Use Optimized Email Software

SkyFile is one of several free email software packages available to Outfitter Satellite customers. SkyFile requires a Windows computer. It includes a powerful compression feature and the ability to review the text of an email before downloading its attachments. SkyFile also has a web interface that allows email reception via the terrestrial internet when you're not in the field using a BGAN.

If you want to receive email from your regular email account, simply forward it to your SkyFile email address while you are using the BGAN. To find out how to forward email from one account to another email account Google "forward outlook email" or " forward gmail" , etc.

Recommendation #2: Use a Firewall and Compression Services

The Airbus Terralink Data Manager (TDM) includes a firewall located at the Inmarsat PoP that can control the traffic types being passed. For example, if you are only interested in using email, one simple configuration of the TDM firewall would be to block all traffic except SkyFile traffic.

The TDM firewall can also whitelist certain IP addresses while blacklisting all others. This can be useful if limited web browsing is necessary.

The TDM includes web compression and web filtering services that can reduce download costs on graphics by up to 40%.

Finally, the TDM can offer near real-time traffic reports to the user online. These reports can help the user determine where usage costs are coming from. That is certainly the first step if you want to avoid paying too much for Inmarsat traffic.

Recommendation #3: Use an Optimizer Wi-Fi Hotspot

The Optimizer HotSpot is a small portable Wi-Fi hotspot with a built-in firewall. By default, it blocks all traffic except traffic from its associated XGate email and XGate web browser software.

The Optimizer Hotspot does have the disadvantage that you need external power, but it provides extremely tight control. It virtually eliminates unwanted usage traffic and assures you are not paying too much for Inmarsat internet traffic.

The Optimizer Hotspot has an Ethernet WAN port that is connected to the corresponding port on the BGAN. Multiple Windows, Macintosh, iPad and Android devices can be simultaneously connected to the Optimizer via Wi-Fi. Just download free software or a free app.

Xgate's email package has a built-in Fetch capability that pulls new emails off your regular email account so you don't even need to forward your email.

Wait for More Inmarsat Best Practices Articles

Hope this article has given you some ideas on how to keep your Inmarsat broadband costs down. Please check out our BLOG again for more articles about avoiding paying too much for Inmarsat by configuring your Windows, Macintosh, iOS, or Android device to reduce unnecessary background traffic. It's easier than you think.

---

*All rates and prices are provided Valid through December 1, 2015. Rates and prices are subject to change without notice.

#NoCellService