Chinese fishing vessels to have a degree of safety like never before!

Beam Communications Holdings Ltd (ASX: BCC) is pleased to announce that it has received another purchase order from Beijing Marine Communications & Navigation Company (MCN). 

The order is for the Beam designed and developed Oceana 800 satellite terminal, which will be deployed on fishing vessels in China. The Oceana 800 supports the Inmarsat GSPS service, essentially allowing for almost-instant communication from anywhere in the world to anywhere in the world, except polar caps- this is the first approved device of its kind in the world. 

For MCN, it means Chinese fishing vessels will have a degree of safety like never before. With the ability to reliably stay in touch with the mainland, safety and relief crews can be notified of impending danger and complications on a journey regardless of where the ship is sailing.

MCN is a leading operator of satellite communication services in China and has been a Beam Reseller since 2012. The company is the only organisation authorised to supply Inmarsat services on the Chinese mainland. The long-standing strategic partnership between the companies has led to the sale of several thousand Beam Oceana products into China.

LAUNCH OF WORLD’S FIRST SEAMLESS GLOBAL MESSAGING & SOS SERVICE

Beam Communications Holdings Limited (ASX: BCC) is pleased to announce the pre-sales launch of the affordable and highly capable global messaging device, ZOLEO, on 18 December 2019, with the unit to ship to customers from mid-January 2020. 

The compact, wearable and rugged satellite device will be available from the SatPhoneShop.com website, wholly-owned by Beam, and multiple major online platforms, such as eBay and Amazon.com, shortly thereafter. 

ZOLEO will also be sold through select leading brick and mortar retailers, suiting users who prefer to inspect the product before purchase. Details of those vendors will be provided shortly. ZOLEO will carry a MSRP of A$345 and will give global satellite messaging and SOS capabilities to mobile phones (Android and Apple) via low-cost monthly plans starting from A$32, up to an unlimited usage plan for A$80. All plans include an Australian dedicated mobile number that allows users to send and receive SMS to the same number for the life of their service. All prices are inclusive of GST

Significant and targeted market appeal 

The development of ZOLEO was based on thorough market research of target users, with 96% of surveyed respondents rating messaging communications and SOS alert features as the biggest reasons to purchase such a device. In addition to ensuring global SMS functionality, users can also communicate through the free ZOLEO messenger and email app, no matter where they are on the planet, as long as there is clear sight of the sky. There is also a dedicated SOS button for emergencies and a separate check-in “I am OK” button. 

The affordable solution is aimed at anyone who travels to or lives in remote areas of the globe, or anyone who moves in and out of mobile coverage for work or play. 

As more than 70% of the earth’s surface is without mobile coverage, and 84% of Australia is not serviced by terrestrial networks, this presents a number of large market opportunities for ZOLEO. This includes domestic and international adventure tourists (land or sea), rural residents, remote workers, caravanners, boaters, fishermen, 4WD enthusiasts, mariners and lone workers. The product will also be an essential tool for executive travelers who requires constant contact with their employers and clients. Further, ZOLEO is perfect for those going on cruises who want to remain connected with friends and family, or as a gift to teenagers embarking on a backpacking adventure.

Unique features 

ZOLEO has wider market appeal and offers several advantages over current mobile satellite devices. These include:
 • Seamless messaging /email with auto switching between Wi-Fi, mobile and satellite • Familiar smartphone messaging experience with emojis and ease of access to phone’s contacts 
• Water-resistant to IP68 (submergible up to 1.5m of water for 30 minutes) • Australian mobile number to send and receive SMS
 • Dedicated 24/7 SOS button and separate Check-In button 
• Location (GPS) sharing • DarkSkyTM weather forecasts • Up to 200 hours battery life • Multitude of mounting options on body, vehicle, bike, boat etc 
• Most affordable solution of its kind that’s currently available 

Global sales and recurring revenue 

ZOLEO will initially be available in the Australian and North American markets before a staged rollout to other regions. Beam is responsible for the entire Asia Pacific region and Roadpost will promote and the product in North America under the previously announced 50-50 joint-venture arrangement.

Both companies will jointly develop all other geographic markets. “We are excited by the impending launch of the device as it fills an unmet need in the market. Our experience in developing and selling mobile satellite devices to adventurers in Canada and the US for more than 20 years tells me that ZOLEO will be a big success,” said the chief executive of Roadpost, Morris Shaun. “We have already received pre-orders from several satellite communications dealers and are close to signing up a large North American outdoor equipment retailer.” 

The Managing Director of Beam, Michael Capocchi said: “It’s taken us less than two years to design and launch an innovative product like ZOLEO, and that’s a testament to the expertise we’ve developed over almost 20 years in designing communication equipment for the world’s largest satellite operators. “The appeal of ZOLEO is larger than what we are initially targeting. The next step for us will be to develop an end-to-end enterprise solution that will appeal to industries like mining and utilities.”