[SatNews] Cobham is taking direct aim at the growing market for rapidly deployable mobile cellular communications with the release of Cobham SATCOM’s new “EXPLORER Mobile Net” system.

Available in GSM, 3G or LTE variants, the EXPLORER Mobile Net provides an ultra-portable solution for instantly powering a coverage area of up to seven kilometers for mobile phones and smart devices within just a few minutes. The tactical single-case cellular network solution allows people to stay in touch under the most challenging and demanding conditions by providing instant local communications without backhaul, as well as enabling global interoperable voice, video and data communications when paired with one of Cobham’s EXPLORER BGAN or VSAT satellite terminals.

EXPLORER Mobile Net systems leverage the NETSeries smart edge software from SiRRAN Communications and Cobham’s state-of-the-art satellite terminals to produce a rugged, reliable and practical approach to remote networking. Remote coverage areas powered by Mobile Net can accommodate hundreds of concurrent device registrations and up to 32 simultaneous user sessions, with a range of options and accessories to maximize efficiency in any environment, all packed into an airline carry-on size rugged case for quick deployment on land, at sea or in the air. Within a single kit, Mobile Net operates up to two Picocells simultaneously, plus WiFi for maximum versatility. Users may deploy one, or any two, of the supported cellular frequency options. No other solution on the market today can offer the same range, features and functionality in such a cost-effective manner.

GSM options allow for the greatest range, and a simple connection to a BGAN or MSS (Mobile Satellite Services) terminal enables devices to interconnect for global roaming using just 128Kbps of data. 3G and LTE solutions can provide solutions ranging from 1 to 75 Mbps depending on application and availability of backhaul. Importantly, the system’s data throughput can be intelligently throttled back to ensure affordable transmission of key data over a wide area network, or optimized for full-service local network sharing of data and applications by teams on the ground.

Announced at the DSEI conference in London, the new product line is the latest addition to the EXPLORER portfolio of communication systems from Cobham SATCOM’s Land business unit.

Walther Thygesen, Cobham SATCOM vice president, said: “Mobile, or ‘cellular,’ networks is an important driver of satellite services and the advent of higher bandwidth solutions and smart devices is opening new market opportunities. Cobham’s release of this portable, flexible and powerful new range marries these new bandwidth-friendly ‘mobile’ attributes to our satellite terminal offerings, and allows our customers to benefit fully from both.”

Dean Parsons, CEO SiRRAN Communications, said: “SiRRAN is pleased to partner with Cobham SATCOM, the leader in mobile satellite terminals. EXPLORER Mobile Net creates a natural extension of mobile carrier-grade capabilities into the satellite-optimized wireless markets for the military, first responder and disaster recovery operations, and news gathering and commercial markets where remote instant coverage can be deployed at sporting and other events.”