Beam transforms customer web experience with launch of clear and detailed website

Beam Communications, has launched a new website that will give customers a complete company toolkit at their fingertips. The website is simple to navigate and is rich in information and resources, enabling customers to access Beam’s entire product and service offering.

“We have transformed the website experience for our customers,” explains Michael Capocchi, President & CEO of Beam Communications. “Our company website is critically important. Effectively, it is our shop window, and we wanted to make sure that no matter who visits, they can find what they are looking for quickly and easily.”

The new website contains a wealth of information on Beam’s products, services and how to buy them, as well as information on the design process, news and the philosophy behind the company. Customers can readily access Beam’s customer support at any time through the website and can also access information on product service and warranty.  

The re-development of the website is a reflection of Beam’s position in the global satellite communications market. The company has grown from the developer of a satellite terminal for a local service provider, to a highly respected Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) working with the biggest names in the MSS industry.

Today, Beam is recognised as an innovator and developer of products that have an impact on society. Used in the most remote and hostile places on the planet, the company’s creativity and technological expertise, enables it to solve some of the most challenging communications problems.

“It is vitally important that Beam can reach out to our growing global customer base and to our valued resellers,” continues Capocchi. “The website allows us to do this in a very efficient way. Beam places great emphasis on our customer relationships, many of which have developed over years of business together. We also look forward to introducing new companies to our products and services. Through our website, we can be even more efficient and continue to provide the highest quality service to all of our customers, no matter where in the world they are.”

Iridium Appoints Beam Go-to-Market Partners for Iridium® Push-to-Talk

Melbourne, Australia, July 1, 2015 -- Beam Communications Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of World Reach Limited an Australian publicly listed company (ASX: WRR) has been appointed an official Service Provider for the Iridium® Push-to-Talk.

Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:IRDM) today announced the initial service providers for the Iridium Push-to-Talk (PTT) solution. Iridium PTT is the world’s first global, satellite-based push-to-talk service, enabling instant communication between participants located anywhere on earth. Iridium PTT provides a fast, simple, and global service making the Iridium network available to tens, or tens of thousands of devices with the push of a single button.

Iridium PTT is comprised of three components that work seamlessly to provide a ubiquitous solution globally: the Iridium PTT service delivered through the Iridium Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation; the Iridium Command Center, the cloud-based management system where all radios and talkgroups are managed; and the Iridium PTT radios, including both the Iridium Extreme® PTT as well as other satellite or hybrid PTT devices or accessories that may be developed to further expand enterprise applications for Iridium PTT.

The Iridium PTT Command Center is the first ever cloud-based customer management system for satellite-based push-to-talk solutions. The Command Center gives organizations the ability to easily manage and define the geographic coverage for each needed talkgroup. The coverage areas are created using a graphical map interface fueled by Google Maps. Through the Command Center, administrators can quickly and easily define which devices/users are members of specific talkgroups and how many talkgroups are needed. As situations evolve, managers are able to make changes to groups dynamically, and these are carried out over-the-air to Iridium PTT devices within seconds.

Iridium PTT, like most commercial and private trunked radio services solutions, uses half-duplex communication, like a walkie-talkie, where one party talks to other participants in a group who serve as listeners. The coverage provided by the Iridium satellite network, as well as advanced security and features, elevates this service far above and beyond what is currently offered today.

Iridium PTT works with Iridium’s existing constellation and is compatible with Iridium NEXT, the company’s next generation satellite constellation, which is scheduled to begin launching in late 2015 and to be completed in late 2017.

The Iridium® Push-to-Talk service will be promoted and sold by Beam to both direct and indirect customers within Australia.

Beam DriveDOCK Extreme provides peace of mind for emergency services in remote communities

Melbourne, Australia, July 5, 2013 -- Beam Communications Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of World Reach Limited (ASX: WRR), provides reliable communications for emergency services in remote communities.

Australia is known for its vast land where approximately 85% of the country is considered remote and about 2.3% of the population live in remote areas. Communication has a significant impact on the population living in these communities and it is important that when natural disasters and accidents occur, emergency services can be contacted for assistance.

Michael Selfe, a local worker in far north Queensland for emergency services know that there are high risks involved living in isolated geographic locations from the impact of natural disasters and accidents occurring. He experiences firsthand how crucial it is to have reliable and efficient communication at all times and in his case satellite connection is the only option.

Be in touch at all times

Installed in Michael’s vehicle is a Beam DriveDOCK unit which provides everything you need to operate an Iridium Extreme® handset featuring handsfree voice, Bluetooth and tracking.

“Working in emergency services, I require a phone connection that is dependable and easy to use, it is not uncommon for me to travel 4-5 hours one way before turning back home. It is imperative that I stay connected, and during times when I’m away from family, it’s nice to remain in contact. Whether I use it for work, recreational or personal, it’s there for the peace of mind.” says Michael.

“A major part of my daily activity consists of being behind the wheel and traveling long distances, so having the Beam DriveDOCK allows me to make and receive calls handsfree. I have used the Iridium Extreme handset numerous times and it works better than I expected. Out here, you want to make sure that calls don’t drop out that often, I find that the usability, ease of functionality and ruggedness is exactly what I was looking for.”

Beam is a strategic manufacturer of both Inmarsat and Iridium satellite docking stations for the Iridium® 9555, Iridium Extreme, and the Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro satellite telephones.

Reliable Mobile Communications Do Matter

Australia is widely known for its vast land mass, where approximately 85 percent of the country is considered to be “remote.” These areas have no mobile phone service and poor UHF and HF radio service during the daylight hours. When an emergency occurs, the most reliable communicate is over satellite—satellite communications are a lifesaver for those living or traveling in these vast remote areas.

Australia suffers through many natural disasters each year. Bushfires, cyclones, floods—disasters can strike at any moment at any location and have a huge impact on the environment and the people. Emergency services and rescue teams are always on alert and ready to quickly respond to any disaster. In an emergency, the team depends on the reliability of their communication be such voice or data, to alert authorities, contact loved, ones, coordinate rescue teams, and to facilitate the response that is required.

However, in a majority of cases, either the terrestrial communication is damaged or congested, or the emergency is in locations where terrestrial communication are non-existent, such as at sea or in truly remote areas.

Satellite communication (SATCOM) is the perfect option being, as it is, unaffected by terrestrial issues, all the while offering global connectivity. Nevertheless, the satellite user equipment and solutions must meet specific requirements to accommodate the needs required.

Emergency Communication
Disaster situations have two categorizations: The emergency and the recovery. Emergency solutions are designed to prevent or alleviate dangerous and life threatening situations by alerting authorities or rescue teams as quickly as possible. Should a vehicle be traveling in a remote area suddenly break down, SATCOM enables the operator of the vehicle to send a message or a call for assistance.

Piracy at sea is an emergency scenario wherein Beam Communication solutions can make a real difference for those involved. In case of attacks from pirates, the ship’s crew can send an Alert message to the authorities. The covert nature of the Beam solutions also makes it difficult for the pirates to notice the equipment, which is then less likely to be destroyed by the attackers. This is an example of how an emergency communication solution can be matched to very specific environmental and user requirements.

Recovery Communication
The recovery phase focuses on a quick deployment of resources to reach an affected area.

The solution must be portable and able to handle rugged environments. The rescue team should be able to easily carry the equipment to the disaster zone and the complete solution is packaged in a robust, transportable case. Another requirement is ease of deployment and use. The emergency team is able to deploy the equipment quickly to create a local network for data communication or for deployment for voice transmissions. In minutes, they need to be able to start transmissions, as being able to respond quickly is critical and can save lives.

For both cases of emergency and disaster recovery, a common denominator is the reliability of the equipment. Any solution must work correctly when it is needed and must continue to viably operate throughout the duration of the emergency.

Queensland Emergency Ops
Queensland Emergency Services deals with rescue and recovery from the occasional floods and cyclones that strike Australia every year. For example, there are huge areas of desert around geological centers in Queensland that attract many travelers and adventurers—many arrive at these locations totally unprepared for, and unaware of, the dangers that can suddenly occur in these terrains.

Mick Selfe, who works for the emergency services, is faced with such disasters on a regular basis. He has installed a Beam DriveDOCK docking station and an Iridium 9575 in his vehicle as tried and true safety measures. He relies on Iridium 9575’s safety features to communicate with other emergency services and rescue teams when they are needed.

Royal Flying Doctors’ Service
The Royal Flying Doctors (RFDS), New South Wales, takes care to the furthest reaches of Australia. Anyone who lives, works or travels in remote and rural Australia can enjoy the best of health, thanks to this service’s use of the latest aviation advances, medical and communications technology.

Services are delivered by dedicated teams of professionals with 24-hour emergency services as well as everyday essential health care.

The Royal Flying Doctor’s Service is a not-for-profit organization and is supported by the Commonwealth of Australia, State and Territory governments, and also receives generous donations from corporations and the communities they serve.

There are four operating sections that provide the remote and clinical services across the country. RFDS operational bases and health facilities form a strategic network that delivers effective health care via a range of staff that includes management, medical practitioners, women’s health doctors, registered nurses, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, allied health professionals, pilots and administration officers in is mission to improve the health of the nation.

RFDS installed Beam’s satellite equipment on their planes a few years ago. The RemoteSAT unit is installed in the plane’s cabin and uses standard telephone handsets to provide reliable communications, whether on the ground or in the air.

This direct communication feed helps doctors maintain those vital contacts when transferring a patient from a remote location or a disaster and moving the casualty to a surgery or hospital for urgent medical attention.

IT Manager Gary Oldman said, “This is, by far, the best communications system we have tested. Having the quality of coverage is making it much safer and easier for our doctors and patients”

Just for Kids Children Charity is a registered organization with a focus on assisting disabled and disadvantaged children and affording them a true adventure. The organization travels extensively to remote areas where there is no phone service. Satellite communication is a lifesaver when something goes wrong.

“One fundraiser event to the geological center in Australia (Lamberts) saw us break two springs in our food wagon that was crossing from Cameron Corner to the Strzelecki Track, an extremely remote location in the middle of the desert, delaying our arrival at Arkaroola for the night,”  said Mark Louez, Director of Just4kids Motortrails.

“One hundred people had to be fed,” he continued, “and a quick Iridium call to the chef at Arkaroola Village, some 400km away in South Australia, and a meal was prepared for all of our personnel that very evening. We were also able to call our spring manufacturer in Queensland to make arrangements for a new set of springs to be sent to Alice Springs.”

Just4kids Motortrails uses Beam’s PotsDock 9555, which is mounted inside the car with a privacy handset. The Iridium 9555 handset fits securely into the docking station which also features phone charging, RJ11/Pots, GPS, tracking, Bluetooth, and so on.

The alert and tracking module can be configured to support periodic polling as well as emergency alert reporting.

Beam’s RemoteSAT satellite terminal is very well suited for weather report

Ranger, the 41 meter J class sailing yacht is using Beam’s RemoteSAT satellite phone onboard. They use it to download vital weather reports.

Ranger was completed in late December 2003 and departed Denmark in early January 2004. After a successful transatlantic crossing Ranger cruised the Caribbean before commencing her racing program in April. Early April saw Ranger competing in the St Barth’s Bucket race for yachts over 100ft., which this year had an excellent turnout of 22 yachts. Despite light winds on both days Ranger performed very well in the event, allowing the crew and guests to get some valuable practice before the more official and demanding Antigua Classic Regatta.

Ranger is now preparing for the 2013 season, which kicks off with the St Barth’s Bucket. This regatta will see five J boats on the start line racing for the hundred Guina Cup as well as the Bucket J Class award.

Weather reports are vital

The crew uses RemoteSAT to download weather reports when they are off shore. They sail from the carribean to either Newport R.I or Palma Mallorca twice a year and on those trips the satellite equipment is used.

“We have a fuel range of about 7 days and the longest legs of our transatlantic passages are 14 days long, so we need to sail for at least 7 days, which makes the weather info we download vital” said Mark O’Brien, Engineer at the SY Ranger.

Reliable phone
RemoteSAT RST100 combines the robust design with the intelligent technology to support RJ11 / POTS, voice and data services over the Iridium satellite network. The RemoteSAT terminal is equipped with a range of interfaces to support the use of standard corded/cordless phones or integrated PABX communications. RemoteSAT RST100 also gives the option to access voice services using a compact intelligent user handset.

RemoteSAT, RST100, terminal is capable of presenting dial, busy and ring tones to suit country specific requirements as well as auto-dial or restricted dial functionality. It also supports access to the complete range of data services provided by Iridium including Short Burst Data, Circuit Switched Data and Direct Internet as well as SMS.

Beam PotsDock Extreme Docking Station for Iridium Extreme Handset

Beam Granted World's First Approval for Iridium Extreme® Docking Station

Melbourne, Australia, April 12, 2012 -- Beam Communications Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of World Reach Limited (ASX: WRR), announces it has received certification by Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM) for use of Beam’s LiteDOCK docking station for the Iridium Extreme® satellite phone. Beam is the first manufacturer in the world to receive Iridium’s official certification of a docking unit for the Iridium Extreme handset. Iridium is the operator of the world’s furthest reaching communications network.

"Iridium communications devices and services are more vital than ever in the global communications infrastructure," said Greg Ewert, executive vice president, global distribution channels, Iridium. “This is because of the ability of innovative partners, such as Beam, who make it possible to communicate through our network anywhere on Earth with tools that make connectivity possible where it was never before imagined. We appreciate the opportunity to act as a solutions catalyst for such forward-thinking on our partners’ part. They truly understand – and meet – the global connectivity needs of customers in endless markets around the world.”

This new Iridium Extreme docking solution by Beam has been specifically designed to meet market needs for land, sea and air applications, and will interface straight out of the box with the tracking and SOS capabilities of the Iridium Extreme handset and the Beam MyBuddy service. Beam plans to market three specific models in its docking solutions suite, including its LiteDOCK, PotsDOCK and DriveDOCK (all found at www.extreme9575.com) Based in Australia, Beam is a leading global provider of satellite docking solutions for multiple handheld satellite telephones.

Initial orders have already been received and shipping has commenced. The Iridium Extreme handset will be distributed by Telstra, AST, Satcomglobal, Infosat, KDDI, Singtel, Inmarsat and other major partners of Beam, and further substantial orders for Iridium Extreme docks are anticipated in the coming months.

"Iridium" and "Iridium Extreme" are registered trademarks of Iridium Satellite LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Iridium Communications Inc.

For more information go to: www.beamcommunications.com

  

BEAM SatDOCK 9555 proves to be reliable on the road  

Rory Byrne, Maxidale Pty Ltd

My work involves a lot of travelling widely across Australia, covering many of the unsealed roads of the country, where it would be impossible to get any GSM network coverage. I knew I had to install a reliable, in-vehicle solution that allows handsfree communication and after having installed and used the Beam SatDOCK 9555 for the last 14 months, I am only happy to say that the support and reliability that I have received has been exceptional.



The industry I work in is Non Destructive Testing, and the nature of work involves analyzing and evaluation of materials and components.  My travels have taken me to remote areas of Australia, inspecting and testing welded joints on cross country pipelines.  The fresh tracks that are constructed for access can be very rough and dusty and I believe that the SatDOCK 9555 in the vehicle has stood up to its testament with its tough exterior construction and reliability of the unit.  


Summing up I now have a phone that when secured in the SatDOCK 9555 provides me a reliable service, a stronger signal strength and having the battery always charged gives me the peace of mind and confidence at work that in a case of emergency or incident I have a tool that could make a difference.

Time Bandit in the Deadliest Catch is using Beam Oceana 800 FleetPhone to communicate and to get weather reports

Brothers Andy and Johnathan Hillstrand and their crew may take to the seas in a vessel resembling a pirate ship. But unlike the buccaneers of old, they prefer to rely on modern communications like FleetPhone - Inmarsat’s new low-cost satellite phone service - while fishing in one of the most dangerous seas on the planet.

Time Bandit, the 34.44 metre-long (113ft) boat, named after the motion picture of the same name, is only on a mission to capture king crabs rather than human beings. And although the exterior of their boat looks similar to a pirate ship from yesteryear, both of them prefer to rely on the latest modern technology systems while working off Alaska in the Bering Sea.

Along with their four-man crew, they put BEAM’s Oceana 800 terminal accessing Inmarsat’s new low-cost satellite phone service – FleetPhone - through its paces. "We were extremely pleased with the performance of the BEAM Oceana 800 Fleetphone – particularly the voice quality of the service," said Captain Andy.

Weather reports

"We’ve been using it to call in for weather reports and to keep in touch with fish processors, as well as family and friends. Everyone we spoke to on the phone commented on its clarity – saying they could hear us so well." The Oceana 800 FleetPhone Terminal phone was supplied by BEAM Communications, with airtime from Inmarsat distribution partner Stratos.

Emergency calling
It offers mariners a host of features, including global coverage for its voice, text and low-speed data services, as well as Inmarsat’s 505 emergency calling capability and an additional SIM for multiple users. "We were anticipating that the sound quality and reliability of the terminal might not perform in the areas we venture to, but the phone exceeded our expectations." The unit even provided service going through False Pass - except for a very narrow spot with steep mountainous sides, and however to be fair this is a location where our old other satellite equipment could not provide any service at all, said Captain Andy.

Voice quality
"And unlike our old satellite service, which couldn’t be relied on 24 hours a day, with FleetPhone we found we could make calls at any time of the day and guarantee a connection." The voice quality of the FleetPhone came in particularly useful when the crew dialled into the National Weather Forecast Office in Alaska for weather predictions. Captain Andy said: "Getting the weather forecast can literally be a matter of life or death for us and voice quality is important because we have to state our position before we can get the forecast."

Reliable phone
The brothers - who are both third-generation Alaskan fishermen - named their boat after the movie, Time Bandit, because they say "the sea steals your time". But having a FleetPhone helped them make up for lost time, especially when it came to getting their catch processed. Captain Andy said: "Around 60 fishing boats get their crab catches processed at one of two plants, and we need a reliable phone to keep in contact with staff at the plants."