BGAN Coverage

BGAN coverage is global. Any BGAN terminal will operate in any country within the coverage areas, and they may connect to any of the three BGAN satellites without re-configuring software, or changing service plans (ideal for world travelers).


UPDATE - Inmarsat has successfully repositioned all BGAN satellite in their final orbits (as shown) on February 24, 2009. The BGAN I-4 Asia Pacific coverage region is now available and active for all BGAN clients.

Interesting Facts On BGAN Satellites and Coverage Area
Once two, now three BGAN Satellites - Prior to January 7, 2009, there were only two BGAN satellites that serviced the Americas and Europe/Africa regions. With the successful activation of the third (and newest) satellite on January 7th over the Americas, the two remaining BGAN satellites could reposition to better locations for full world-wide coverage. The first phase of repositioning completed on February 6th with new coverage region for Europe/Africa. The second and final phase happened on February 24, 2009 for the Asia Pacific regions.

Maritime Use - While there is ocean coverage, BGAN terminals are not allowed to be used by moving vessels on the open ocean and service will suspend. Inmarsat has created the FleetBroadband service for maritime use. FleetBroadband coverage areas are identical to the BGAN coverage areas.

Stormy Weather - Since a BGAN terminal uses the "L" band for reception and transmission (the L band has a very long wavelength), it is able penetrate through clouds and other atmospheric condition far better than its "KU" and "C" Band cousins used by much larger satellite dishes.