Thanks for asking!
Here are the currently available choices for Global Email
Connectivity. My search has located several satellite communications
options, and also a Global Roaming Dialup alternative to AOL.
Satellite Email
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Please keep in mind that accessing the internet via satellite -does-
require, if not a satellite phone, a satellite access device -- at
minimum a hardware add-on for a PC, or a stand-alone connection
terminal. Admittedly, a few of these descriptions are a bit "sales-y".
These are "Under $1,000" solutions.
Magellan GCS 100
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"The Magellan GSC 100 allows you to send and receive e-mail, text
messages to and from anywhere in the world using the revolutionary
ORBCOMM Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellite system. The GSC 100 also has a
fully-functional GPS receiver to help you navigate and pinpoint your
location anywhere in the world. With the Magellan GSC 100, far from
home no longer means being out of touch. Unlike traditional land-line,
cellular or paging systems, the GSC 100 and ORBCOMM network operate
from isolated parts of the world where conventional systems do not
reach. As a result, remote workers, outdoor enthusiasts and
international travelers can communicate anywhere in the world."
Magellan GSC 100 GPS Receiver
http://www.epinions.com/pr-Magellan_GSC_100_GPS_Receiver/display_~full_specs
http://www.satphonestore.com/servprod/orbcomm/
Wired News - Email from Anywhere
http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,14624,00.html
Skymate
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"Skymate Marine/RV Kit: The Skymate system is great for any world
traveler who needs email, fax, weather, or tracking at a great price."
Skymate also requires a VHF antenna.
Skymate
http://www.satphonestore.com/vessel_tracking_system.htm
http://www.satphonestore.com/servprod/orbcomm/
Google Search: Portable VHF Antenna
://www.google.com/search?q=portable+vhf+antenna
Inmarsat
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Inmarsat offers Regional Access to the Internet via its own satellite
network. This solution is not truly worldwide, but spans 99 countries
from Western Europe and the northern half of Africa, across central
and Eastern Europe, the southern CIS countries, to the Middle East and
the Indian sub-continent. Services requires a specialized satellite
modem.
Hughes R-BGAN satellite modem
http://www.globalcoms.com/rbgan_sat_modem.html
Inmarsat Regional-Global Broadband Access Network
http://regionalbgan.inmarsat.com/index.htm
http://www.globalcoms.com/prod_sat_rbganinfo.html
Global Dial-up
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As an international traveler myself, I use the iPass system through my
own ISP's Roam to Home program. For four to nineteen extra pennies a
minute, my laptop dials a local or tollfree number nearly anywhere in
the world (over 20,000 access numbers) and I receive my familiar
internet access. Several of my business partners use the same service.
It has allowed us to communicate from the suburbs of Hanoi, London,
Copenhagen and Aarhus, Denmark, Lund, Sweden, Norway, many points in
Germany, Spain and France, Poland, rural and urban Mexico, three
Aussie states plus "lost in the Outback", Mindanao, Philippines,
Argentina, Mombassa, Kazakhstan, and Hong Kong.
Of course it is only as reliable as a particular country's phone
system. I always buy in-country phone cards upon arrival, at the
airport if possible, so that I'm assured phone access from anywhere in
the country, even if I'm not specifically within the local dialing
area for any particular number.
iPass is generally marketed under the "Roam to Home" trademark.
iPass
http://www.ipass.com/services/services_individual.html
There are a number of fly-by-night competitors in this field, but
unless you have the time to constantly research and find new
providers, I personally have found it a time-saver to stick with the
company with the longest track record.
(A Little Further) Outside the Box
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PDA Plus: Combine technologies for a less expensive alternative to
full laptop access.
Combine iPass with a PDA for e-mail dialup from pretty-much anywhere
anywhere. One iPass reseller, Tempest Telecommunications offers a
chart of devices that are compatible with their services.
iPass and PDAs
http://www.tempestcom.com/PDA/home.aspx
http://www.xtra.co.nz/products/0,,5962,00.html
Search Strategy
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Google Search Terms:
satellite email
"satellite email"
global internet access
"global internet access"
"roam to home"
"satellite networks" internet access
I hope you find this information useful. Should you have questions
about the material or links provided, please, feel free to ask for
clarification.
Best regards,
---larre |
