Inmarsat has unveiled a fixed-line version of its IsatPhone Pro satellite phone service at CommunicAsia2011.
IsatPhone Link offers the same voice and low-speed satellite data service as the handheld phone, but uses a desktop phone and a small external antenna. The desktop unit supports multiple users and can be integrated with a PABX.
Both units – the Terra 400 antenna and the Terra 800 phone – are manufactured by Beam Communications, which also manufactures the docking units for the IsatPhone Pro.
The IsatPhone Link service – which goes live at the end of the month – is for vertical industries customers that want an on-site fixed phone at their installation, said Drew Brandy, director of land business for Inmarsat.
“Some customers want a fixed phone available in case the mobile IsatPhone is in use,” Brandy explained.
“Also, it’s a good indoor solution for remote offices because the IsatPhone Pro can only be used outdoors.”
Other potential uses include pay phones for remote tourism sites, or as a phone and credit-card validation solution for restaurants in remote areas.
IsatPhone Link is on display at the Inmarsat stand: 1S2-01
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story reported that Beam Communications manufactures the IsatPhone Pro satellite handheld phone. In fact, Beam manufactures the docking units for the IsatPhone Pro, rather than the handset itself. The article has been edited to correct the error. Telecomasia.net welcomes all corrections and clarifications.
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