Broadband and VSAT

Everything about broadband technology and VSAT systems.

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T-Mobile Launches A Data Plan For Audi-Connected Cars

A new data plan specifically for Audi drivers that use the T-Mobile's Connect service has been launched by the company. Offered to new and existing owners of cars equipped with Audi Connect, the plan is said to allow owners to pay $450 for data services for 30 months ($15/month, $30 if the owners choose the month-to-month option).

Also, the new offer enables users to access real-time news, weather and fuel prices. The offer includes connection to Google Earth and Google Voice and the Wi-Fi service throughout the vehicle for up to eight devices.

General Motors has already announced its similar offer with T-Mobile's competitor, AT&T's, help and said will start incorporating LTE services into its cars by 2014.

On the other hand, T-Mobile's customers who avail the Audi plan is targeted to grow up to 1 million worldwide by 2015.

See also: KVH Broadband Network Capacity 'More Than Doubled' In The Brazilian & African Regions

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Free Mobile Broadband To The Poor Americans From FreedomPop

It seems that the California-based internet provider company, FreedomPop, is sticking to its mission to deliver free, fast, wireless internet to all. The company announced, with the help of the non-profit organization Connect2Complete, is offering up to 1GB of free data to low-income families across the country.

Families whose average income is $35,000 or less can avail such service offer by the aforementioned company, provided, they'll purchase a discounted mobile or home connectivity device with the price ranging from $20 to $59.

FreedomPop CEO Stephen Stokols said, "FreedomPop was founded on the belief that the Internet is a right, not a privilege and we have a shared objective with Connect2Compete to ensure more Americans have free access to it. We’re excited to partner with Connect2Compete to leverage our disruptive free model to help bridge the digital divide for low-income communities.”

In a statement, Stokols adds that with approximate 19 million Americans not having access to broadband internet, they will be focusing on rural citizens who exist outside the reach of broadband infrastructure.

FreedomPop targets 1 million disconnected families online by the end of the year.

See also: Inmarsat Launched Three New Marine Antennas

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Inmarsat chooses AST as FleetBroadband services distribution partner

British satellite telecommunications company Inmarsat has selected Applied Satellite Technology (AST) as the company’s distribution partner for FleetBroadband services. For more than two decades now, AST, a Norfolk-based satellite communications company, has been servicing the global maritime market using its AST Live! Suite. It equipped with a traffic management and control capacity that is used in the delivery of FleetBroadband. In a statement, AST Airtime Director Mark Sykes said that the company already offers its wide range of services to Globalstar, Inmarsat, Iridium and Thuraya. “AST’s primary focus will be to grow the Fishing, Leisure and Workboat markets, building on our core customer base in these areas,” said AST Director Jason Abbott. “With offices and partners around the world and in key maritime locations, AST is ideally placed to grow FleetBroadband revenue in these sectors - we’re very pleased to be working closely with Inmarsat to achieve our joint goals.” Recommended additional reading:

SAT introduces updated version of satID solution

Nupoint Systems expands Globalstar M2M data communication satcom services

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FreedomPop Enters The Home Broadband Market

FreedomPop announced that the company has officially entered the home broadband market with a new service that provides up to 1GB of usage for free. The Los Angeles-based company said that their $90 FreedomPop Hub Burst home modem is officially now available in their website, offering mobile data plans with 500MB of bandwidth for free.

Other offers include, heavier data plans users a number of usage plans starting at $10 a month for 10GB (for mobile offers, 5GB for $35, and 10GB for $60).

FreedomPop CEO, Stephen Stokols said, "Major broadband providers, including Time Warner Cable, AT&T, Verizon and Comcast, are pillaging consumers, charging in excess of $500 per year for home Internet. The median American household uses under 5.5 GB per month at home, yet spends over $50 for Internet service. FreedomPop gives these users an opportunity to save hundreds of dollars per year at a fraction of the inconvenience, especially for more moderate internet users.”

FreedomPop Hub Burst modem supports up to 10 devices and connects them all to the Clearwire WiMax network.

See also: ViaSat Satellite Receives Guinness World Records Recognition

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SABER Satellite broadband project launched in Europe

Europe recently initiated the biennial Satellite Broadband for European Regions (SABER) project with the goal of bringing satellite broadband coverage to the estimated ten million European households that up to now, do not have access to it. Presently, 95% of families already have a connection. The project, which is coordinated by CSI Piedmont, includes 26 partner companies. Among these companies are Astrium, Eutelsat Communications, SES Broadband Services and 21 regional bodies, plus public and private ICT companies across thirteen nations. As part of the ICT Policy Support Program, the SABER project has 510,000 euros from the European Union. The satellite broadband project has a goal of delivering local, regional and national authorities with guidelines for using satellite technologies and to connect areas not covered, thus accomplishing the goals set out in the European Digital Agenda, Europe 2020.

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T-Mobile Debuts GoSmart Mobile

Just last Tuesday, U.S.'s fourth biggest mobile provider launched a new nationwide prepaid wireless brand, GoSmart Mobile. The new brand will cater customers who want to pay for calls in advance.

T-Mobile said that GoSmart Mobile has been tested for nine markets since early December and has already signed up "tens of thousands" of subscribers in just over two months.

Senior VP of Marketing for GoSmart Mobile, Doug Chartier said, "It's beat our projections pretty handily." He also projected that the prepaid market will grow at a rate of 7% to 8% each year.

Starting with $30 per month for unlimited talk time and testing services but no mobile Internet services, GoSmart will be available at more than 3,000 wireless reseller stores around the country beginning February 19th.

$35 per month plan includes mobile internet access on its slower networks while a $45 plan offers higher speeds.

See also: UK's Biggest Telecom Firms Won UK 4G Carve Up