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VSATs [Very Small Aperture Terminals] are usually 1.2 to 1.8 meters (~3-6 feet) in size. VSATs provide data transmission speeds from 128-512 KBPS [Kilo Bits Per Second] upload (transmission) and 256-2048 KBPS (2048 is E-1-European configuration of 32 channels of 64,000 BPS. A VSAT is a fixed location device to provide data transmission speeds from 128-512 KBPS-Kilo Bits Per Second upload (transmission) and 256-2048 KBPS (2048 is E-1-European configuration of 32 channels of 64,000 BPS). Some of the common satellite frequencies are: C-Band-3-6 GHz - X-Band-8-12 GHz - Ku-Band-12-18 GHz- Ka-Band-27-40 GHz-GigaHertz.

VSATs Help the Red Cross Communicate
Satellite communication for disaster recovery is proving its worth in the Hurricane Katrina disaster that struck the US gulf coast. The Red Cross immediately deployed 10 of its 20 “rapid deploy telecom stations” which are equipped with VSATs that auto deploy and find the correct communications satellite automatically. The VSATs are connected to land mobile radio for voice communications with handheld VHF radio transceivers and Wi-Fi for Internet data links. These stations have been deployed to refugee shelters and other points where the Red Cross is providing aid and assistance to the disaster victims. Insurance companies are also taking advantage of VSAT links and have deployed transportable VSATs with insurance adjustors to support immediate claim filing from the disaster area. Beyond first response telecom support, VSATs will be used to quickly and cost-effectively reconnect business and government offices whose land-lines were destroyed or made inoperative. 1.8 meter antennas and 2 watt satellite radio transceivers operating via Ku-band satellite bandwidth into gateway VSAT Hubs that are directly connected to the Internet backbone can support VoIP, eFax, and broadband Internet data. For assistance in VSAT capabilities, go to teleportservices.com.

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