Cobham launches a sophisticated IP based voice solution designed to complement or replace the VHF/UHF based trunk radio systems widely used in the field service, search and rescue, utility, mining and Oil & Gas sectors. EXPLORER Push-To-Talk (PTT) adds cost effective Push-To-Talk capabilities to hybrid data networks such as terrestrial 2G/3G/4G networks combined with the Inmarsat BGAN satellite network, ensuring optimal balance between cost and availability.

This unique new solution offers exceptional physical and transmission robustness, which secures reliable, high quality communication whilst keeping transmission costs as low as possible. Wrapped into an all-in-one solution the EXPLORER PTT provides reliable voice and internet connectivity to vehicles operating anywhere on the planet. The solution breaks new ground as far as critical Mobile Workforce communications goes.

“Large scale deployments have proven exceptionally cost effective,” says Henrik Nørrelykke, VP Land Business at Cobham SATCOM. “Development customers report obtained cost reductions in excess of 50% compared to operating expenses related to the operation of the traditional trunk radio networks preceding EXPLORER PTT implementation. Such impressive savings will lead to 100% pay back of the complete network investment in less than 4 years. These numbers don’t factor in the potential efficiency gains to be obtained by bringing real time data applications into the vehicles.”    

Different from trunk radio networks the EXPLORER PTT solution is based on utilizing already existing network infrastructure, which means exceptionally fast deployments. This also means that mobile assets can be moved around instantly, which is vital for users such as Police/Fire/Ambulance in addition to Search and Rescue - with urgent needs to concentrate scarce assets where sudden needs arises. Other sectors that may benefit include Oil, Gas and Mining exploration where the hunt for resources calls for constant asset mobility. The combination of the globally available Inmarsat BGAN satellite network and regionally available terrestrial networks ensures that all mobile assets are always in reach.