Tampa Microwave Portable VSAT Terminals Now Certified to Operate on Inmarsat’s Global Xpress Network

December 02, 2021

Inmarsat and Tampa Microwave announced that Tampa Microwave’s 1.3, 0.95 and 0.65-meter terminals have received full type approval for use over Inmarsat’s Global Xpress (GX) network for commercial and military Ka-band.

GX is the world’s first and only seamless mobile wideband service available worldwide. In U.S. government service since July 2014, GX has established itself as the gold standard for reliable communications across land, sea, and air domains for assured mobile connectivity.

Tampa Microwave’s 1.3, 0.95 and 0.65-meter systems are key communications assets currently deployed by the U.S. military and allied countries and support several programs of record. With the GX always-on worldwide capability and capacity, these systems can now offer seamless, flexible, assured satellite network access to highly mobile users. Tampa Microwave’s core customers throughout the U.S. Military, Department of Defense, Special Operations Force Commands, Intelligence Community and Coalition Partners globally will have increased capabilities with these new Tampa Microwave combined systems over GX. 

All three terminals can be configured for multiple-band operations while in the field. The 1.3-meter flyaway terminal utilizes the electronic modules (Receiver/Transmitter, Modem and Power Supply Modules) and can be transported in one or two transit cases that are Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) compliant. The 0.95 and 0.65-meter portable terminals can be set up in less than 10 minutes, fit in airline overhead compartments, and the transit hard case is airline checkable. 

The GX unique Ka-band capability fits directly into Tampa Microwave’s deployment model for a small signature, ruggedized, high-throughput solution. The GX network, in tandem with Tampa Microwave terminals, allows users to leverage GX commercial services for core functions, while seamlessly integrating with military satellite communications (MILSATCOM) systems to address any remaining gaps for optimal redundancy, diversity, protection, scalability and global portability – the ultimate resiliency approach.

Shea Russell, Vice President for Business Development, Tampa Microwave, said: “The combination of Inmarsat’s high-throughput Global Xpress network and our currently deployed Tampa Microwave ultra-light,  portable tactical VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) systems add flexibility, unique worldwide accessibility, and easy-to-use connectivity on the go for our customers.”

Matt Wissler, Chief Technology Officer, Inmarsat Government, said: “The Tampa Microwave 1.3, 0.95 and 0.65-meter terminal systems add variety for our GX expeditionary users who are required to deploy quickly and depend upon reliable, capable and interoperable terminals that are easy to set up, with minimal configuration time and excellent portability to wherever the mission takes them.”