Mobile broadband communications over satellite

Brisbane-based company EM Solutions has recently won a follow-on order to supply an additional quantity of its on-the-move (OTM) satellite broadband communications terminals to the Japanese Government communications agency NICT.

These terminals will assist in the country’s future disaster recovery efforts.

The initial order of terminals, supplied earlier this year, were fitted to mobile communications vehicles intended for rapid despatch to impacted areas of the country where the terrestrial telecommunications network had been destroyed, and provide fibre-like data speeds in off-road conditions while the vehicles are still in motion.

In this sense, they are truly competitive with the latest 4G mobile networks which can also be used anywhere, anytime, and any place – provided the network (still) exists.

EM Solutions’ first on-the-move terminal was initially developed as a demonstrator for the ADF under the Capability Technology Demonstrator (CTD) Program.

That terminal, with a Ka-band waveguide feed developed by Adelaide-based BAE Systems Australia, proved its worth by achieving exceptional ability to lock on to the satellite and to continue communicating, even under the most gruelling off-road conditions that an Army Bushmaster could deliver.

The terminal successfully passed all WGS certification tests required under Mil-Std 188-164B, required for operation with the WGS military constellation.

EM Solutions’ terminal uses a three-axis gimbal, with a “cross-elevation” axis, to allow rotation throughout the entire sky.

The additional degree of freedom in elevation allows direct overhead pointing with the base able to rotate to an optimal position, increasing acquisition speed.

Coupled with the use of a proprietary “monopulse” pointing system, the terminal is truly universal, able to lock onto the satellite from any land, naval, or airborne vehicle.