Auto-Pointing Multi-Purpose Instant Anywhere Broadband Internet & Phone
The MCD-4800 "Mobile Communications Device", also known as "The Football", is an auto-pointing BGAN satellite terminal that requires no user training to operate. Simply place the weatherproof case on the ground or on a boat deck... or on any surface with a clear view of the sky, rain-or-shine, anywhere in the world and turn it on and close the lid - no pointing necessary. Within a minute the MCD-4800 becomes a powerful WiFi hotspot accessible by any wireless device within a 100 meter range for up to 5 hours on internal battery power. This auto-pointing solution uses the high performance Hughes 9450TW in-motion BGAN terminal integrated with our proprietary mobile electronics for a ruggedized self-contained, in-field or on sea, user-friendly global communications link. Features
MCD-4800 Video
Using the MCD-4800 Auto-Pointing BGAN Terminal
The MCD-4800 Front Panel
While the MCD-4800 is primarily used as a wireless hotspot, the front panel includes a weather sealed Ethernet port and a phone port to connect a laptop or standard analog phone. The charge port has a watertight seal for several external power sources such as a portable solar panel, external battery, or vehicle power adapter. The display shows current system status and remaining battery power and a light sensor allows the display to be backlit at night (backlight may be enabled/disabled). The MCD-4800 only has one button, the power button located inside of the case.
Global Service for the MCD-4800
The service area of the MCD-4800 is global except for extreme polar regions. If the system is located within any of the colored regions above, you may connect at workable Internet speeds. The MCD-4800 uses BGAN service plans available from Ground Control or other BGAN service provider for Internet, phone, SMS messaging and many other communication services. For more information on the MCD-4800 service area, please visit the BGAN coverage map.
Built For Extreme Environments
The MCD-4800 is enclosed in a watertight hardened plastic Pelican case, and the case lid is normally closed for full operation. It operates in heavy rain and will transmit with 20mm of ice buildup before transmission issues. It is rated at IP67, which means it can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter. In extremely hot environments, we recommend the case lid be slightly opened for venting for long duration use to avoid heat buildup inside the case.
MCD-4800 FEATURES
No pointing or aiming ...simply turn it on under an open sky on land or at sea.
Connects automatically with any BGAN satellites for near 100% global service.
The MCD-4800 is a Ground Control integrated manufactured solution, supported by us 24/7.
New Improved "Gen II" Features for the MCD-4800
Powerful WPA2 WiFi security added (Improved from WEP)... New since August 2020
WiFi now supports 802.11 b/g/n (not just b)... New since August 2020
Internal power button - Lighted on/off button (replaces external keyed power switch).
Internal components ruggedized. External panel has chrome bumpers to protect ports.
WiFi antenna now accessible - Optional high-gain antenna for increased WiFi range.
Improved AC/DC charging system: > One power supply replaces the two chargers used in Gen 1 model. > Fast charge time of 4 hours on a discharged battery. > Built-in automatic maintenance mode for long term storage charging.
Stainless steel bumpers to keep the front panel from impact damage.
Backlit display for night use. Shows power remaining. Can be enabled/disabled.
High contrast daylight display for easy reading in any light.
Easy BGAN SIM card insertion & removal. Requires no tools.
The
MCD-4800 is a compact 25 lbs (11.4 kg) hardened watertight "Flyaway Case", easily transported and operated by anyone. An excellent solution for oil rigs, mining, public safety, global travel, ocean going vessels, or any other communication need that requires an easy, instant, no-hassle global broadband hotspot.
The MCD-4800 uses the Inmarsat BGAN satellite network for broadband Internet connectivity. It then creates a 100 meter (328 feet) Wi-Fi access point in seconds for any wireless device to connect. Wi-Fi is helpful if users wish to be inside or move around a structure untethered from the case.
The external panel includes a sealed RJ-45 Ethernet port, an RJ-11 phone port, a light sensor to backlight the display at night, a charge port, and a battery status display... all are fully sealed from weather. Chrome bumpers extend out to protect the ports from impact.
The MCD-4800 case does not need to stay opened in order to operate. Simply press the power button (inside the case) and 60 seconds later it will become a wireless hotspot anywhere on the globe for up to 5 hours on the internal battery.
The power button for the MCD-4800 is inside of the case. Simply press the button to turn the system on. No other action is required for establishing a WiFi hotspot. The BGAN SIM card tray is also easily accessed from just inside the case lid.
The 802.11 WiFi antenna is mounted next to the dome. Antennas use an RP-SMA connector and can be fitted with an optional 15dBi high-gain antenna (or any other off-the-shelf antenna) for increased WiFi range.
Connecting a wireless device such as laptops, smartphones or tables to the MCD-4800 is as easy as selecting it from available access points. Wireless security is configurable from a web interface and includes MAC address filtering.
The MCD-4800 main interface is accessed via any connected browser. Status screens show battery life, internal temperature, and links the Hughes 9450TW web interface for usage totals, parameter configurations including streaming services, static IP configuration, and SMS messaging.
Track Online Usage Realtime - The web interface interface gives you realtime usage statistics that shows and approximate amount data transferred, phone calls minutes made during a single session, as well as over the lifetime of the terminal. Click here for a larger Usage Statistics Screen.
A watertight cap protects the RJ-45 Ethernet port from the elements. A laptop or router may be connected directly to the MCD-4800. Public IP addresses are available. Ethernet lengths can be up to 328 feet (100 meters). Specially designed waterproof Ethernet connectors are available for this RJ-45 port to use with your Ethernet cable.
While the MCD-4800 is designed for Internet connectivity, it does include a standard analog phone. The phone port is issued an international satellite phone number. Any connected phone may make and receive calls from anyone on the planet for $0.99 cents usd per minute.
Calls are easily made between other terminals, satellite phones, cell phones or standard landline phones anywhere in the world, and incoming calls are free, although the calling party is burdened with the cost of calling. Local numbers from any country can be assigned to the BGAN terminal using this service.
The MCD-4800 may be powered continuously (or recharged) from a 12 volt vehicle power with the included mini-inverter. The watertight connector from the charger is screwed to the front panel for an all weather seal.
Government grade external batteries are available for the MCD-4800, providing additional external power for up to 3 hours. Here is a link for purchasing these accessories.
In no-power locations we recommend the optional 100 watt foldable solar panel ($595) that directly connects to the MCD-4800. Recharge time is 8-10 hours in full sunlight. If the MCD-4800 is on, the solar panel will provide up to 75% of the power needed, extending the 5 hour battery life up to 20 hours in sunlight.more
An optional long-range cordless phone case may connect with the MCD-4800 phone jack and provide long-range phone connectivity up to 2 miles (3.2 km), or 12 building stories. The base station and handset phones operate for 2-3 days on battery in any weather. More information on BGAN long-range cordless phones.
The MCD-4800 is an excellent solution to ocean faring vessels and oil-rigs. Here an IT specialist uses a wireless connection to establish connectivity. Wi-Fi may be shut off, and an Ethernet cable connection can be used for a more secure connection.
The MCD-4800 can operate with the lid open or closed (for rain or ocean spray) with no signal strength reduction. The case is fully watertight when closed. In this picture, a ship offloads supplies to another rig.
The MCD-4800 is an in-motion BGAN terminal, which makes it perfect for use on the water. The internal antenna's turning speed is rated at 40 degrees per second, which is faster than most vessels will pitch and roll on the ocean.
Since the MCD-4800 fully operates in closed hardened case, it is ideal for harsh marine environments. Here the MCD-4800 is being used for primary crew connectivity for the Oceana Canada during their Gulf of St. Lawrence Expedition.
The case comes in several colors, including this one in tan, which is popular with many organizations worldwidle.
The MCD-4800 contents include an AC/DC charger, a mini-inverter for a 12 volt vehicle power port, a standard analog phone, international plug adapters (UK, US, AU, EU, & China), a USB flash drive with manuals, and bags to hold the equipment. Click for larger photo.
And here in OD green and bright orange.
The MCD-4800 is fully functional in any weather with the lid closed. It measures a very portable 17"L x 13.75"W x 6.75 "H (432 x 349 x 171 mm) with an IP67 rating (survives 1 meter under water).
The MCD-4800 is available in 6 case colors (including OD green). Desert Tan is the default color.
The MCD-4800 can be a real lifesaver since it requires no training to operate. Simply turn it on under an open sky for high-speed Wi-Fi Internet and phone anywhere on land or sea. High-Res Photos
MCD-4800 Systems
MCD-4800 Complete Package Contents
MCD-4800 BGAN terminal flyaway case
AC/DC power supply charger
A standard corded analog phone
Mini-inverter for running off a vehicle power port
Laminated Quickstart guide
International plugs U.S., U.K., European, Australian, China, N. Europe - Info
Miniature compass, to help in finding obstacle to the BGAN satellite
USB flash drive with user manuals, mobile status gadget, software
BGAN Service - SIM Cards - Global Use - All Terminals Global Use - No Restrictions - All SIM Cards are Reloadable / Renewable - Free Shipping Worldwide
Pricing in U.S. Dollars
BGAN Standard+ Monthly Plan- 12 month minimum term Our most popular BGAN plan that reduces the cost per Megabyte down to under $0.10 cents if transferring Gigabytes of data in a month. This is the plan to get if you may need to transfer a lot of data some months, and not so much data (or nothing) in other months. Includes 20 Megabytes each month at no additional cost - Click for details
Standard+
$63 a month Includes 20MB monthly
12 month minimum term Details of Standard+
Low-Cost High-Usage BGAN Plans - Standard+ These BGAN Internet plans have the same priority level as the popular IsatHub service.
Where High-Priority plans below cost about $5.00 USD per Megabyte, Standard+ plan can offer a per Megabyte cost of below $0.15 cents.
Service is for all BGAN terminals world wide. Available now! Click for details
100 Megabytes Prepaid SIM Plan - High Priority Routing - Valid 90 days 100 Megabytes at $525 = $5.25 per Megabyte - TopUp Megabytes Anytime.
SIM card includes 100 Megabytes that may be used at any time during a 90 day period.
Phone calls billed $0.99/min to any landline or cellphone worldwide, free incoming calls. SMS texting billed $0.50 per outgoing text, free incoming texts.
SIM can be renewed with any plan at any time. SKU: BGANBW100QRT Mouse Over For Card Cost Details
$525 USD Prepaid 100 MBs valid for 90 days
High Priority Routing
200 Megabytes Prepaid SIM Plan - High Priority Routing - Valid 90 days 200 Megabytes at $995 = $4.97 per Megabyte - TopUp Megabytes Anytime.
SIM card includes 200 Megabytes that may be used at any time during a 90 day period.
Phone calls billed $0.99/min to any landline or cellphone worldwide, free incoming calls.
SMS texting billed $0.50 per outgoing text, free incoming texts.
SIM can be renewed with any plan at any time. SKU: BGANBW200QRT Mouse Over For Card Cost Details
$995 USD 200 MBs valid for 90 days High Priority Routing
300 Megabytes Prepaid - High Priority Routing - Valid 1 year from activation 300 Megabytes at $1,467 = $4.89 per Megabyte - TopUp Megabytes Anytime.
SIM card includes 300 Megabytes that may be used at any time during a 1 year period.
Phone calls billed $0.99/min to any landline or cellphone worldwide, free incoming calls. SMS texting billed $0.50 per outgoing text, free incoming texts.
SIM can be renewed with any plan at any time. SKU: BGANBW300ANN Mouse Over For Card Cost Details
$1,467 USD 300 MBs valid for 365 days High Priority Routing
600 Megabytes Prepaid - High Priority Routing - Valid 1 year from activation 600 Megabytes at $2,820 = $4.70 per Megabyte - TopUp Megabytes Anytime.
SIM card includes 600 Megabytes that may be used at any time during a 1 year period. Phone calls billed $0.99/min to any landline or cellphone worldwide, free incoming calls. SMS texting billed $0.50 per outgoing text, free incoming texts.
SIM can be renewed with any plan at any time. SKU: BGANBW600ANN Mouse Over For Card Cost Details
$2,820 USD 600 MBs valid for 365 days High Priority Routing
1,200 Megabytes Prepaid - High Priority Routing - - Valid 1 year from activation 1,200 Megabytes at $5,639 = $4.70 per Megabyte - TopUp Megabytes Anytime.
SIM card includes 1,200 Megabytes that may be used at any time during a 1 year period.
Phone calls billed $0.99/min to any landline or cellphone worldwide, free incoming calls.
SMS texting billed $0.50 per outing text, free incoming texts.
SIM can be renewed with any plan at any time. SKU: BGANBW1200ANN Mouse Over For Card Cost Details
$5,639 USD 1,200 MBs valid for 365 days High Priority Routing
High Priority Routing
Please order by Email or Phone
Unlimited Internet Use Standard+ These Standard+ plans provide Unlimited Internet over any BGAN terminal globally for monthly, quarterly, bi-annual and annual calendar months (A calendar month is Jan, Feb, March) Plans end on the last day of valid period calendar month. Please note that Inmarsat does reserve the right to slow speeds up to 128 Kbps if over 30,000 Megabytes are used in a month.
Phone calls are post use billed at $0.99/min to any landline or cellphone worldwide, free incoming calls.
SMS texting billed $0.50 per outing text, free incoming texts. SKU: BGANBWLP30K, BGANBWLP3MO, BGANBWLP6MO, BGANBWLPMAX Mouse Over or Click For Card Cost Details
1 Gigabyte Standard+ Consumer Grade - 1 Month 1,000 Megabytes at $1,660 = $1.66 per Megabyte
This plan provides 1,000 Megabytes of Internet service during the current calendar month (Jan, Feb, Mar, etc...). May purchase additional months for an extended usage period. Phone calls billed $0.99/min to any landline or cellphone worldwide, free incoming calls.
SMS texting billed $0.50 per outing text, free incoming texts. SKU: BGANBWLP1K Mouse Over or Click For Card Cost Details
1,000 MBs Standard+
Current Month
$1,660 USD
Valid from the 1st of any month to the last day of the month.
5 Gigabytes Standard+ Consumer Grade - 1 Month 5,000 Megabytes at $2,652 = $0.53 per Megabyte... A great deal.
This plan provides 5,000 Megabytes of Internet service during the current calendar month (Jan, Feb, Mar, etc...). May purchase additional months for an extended usage period. Phone calls billed $0.99/min to any landline or cellphone worldwide, free incoming calls.
SMS texting billed $0.50 per outing text, free incoming texts. SKU: BGANBWLP1K Mouse Over or Click For Card Cost Details
5,000 MBs Standard+
Current Month
$2,652 USD
Valid from the 1st of any month to the last day of the month.
Usage Only BGAN Service - High Priority Routing - 1 year term A usage-only Internet service - Pay for only what you use each month at $6.99 per Megabyte transferred.
Like our other BGAN plans, phone calls are billed $0.99/min to any landline or cellphone worldwide, free incoming calls.
SMS texting billed $0.60 per outgoing text, free incoming texts.
Requires credit card for monthly subscription and usage fees.
SKU: BGANBWUSAGE Mouse Over For Card Cost Details
$74 USD/month
1 Year Term
High Priority Routing
Emergency Responder - Public Safety BGAN Service Unlimited Use Affordable usage-based BGAN service specifically designed for public safety organizations. Internet usage is billed monthly at these rates: $4 per MB for the first 100 MBs transferred. $3 per MB for the next 400 MBs transferred. $2 per MB for the next 500 MBs transferred. $1 per MB for the next 3,000 MBs transferred (3 Gigabytes or GB). $0.10 cents per MB for over 4 Gigabytes for Unlimited Use ($100 per GB) click for details SKU: BGANBWEMER
$60/month + Usage 12 month minimum term
($650 USD if paid annually) Click to Purchase
Covid-19 Special For All Aid and NGO Workers Globally
Unlimited Use Internet For 90 Days For $4,000 USD Ground Control is offering all Aid workers from any location on the globe a special unlimited use BGAN Internet package valid for 90 days for a one time cost of $4,000 USD. Please email us at sales@groundcontrol.com for details on this exceptional offering.
Unlimited Use Internet for 90 days - $4000 USD Please email for details
BGAN Service Plan Details BGAN service can be expensive. These techniques can help reduce data usage over BGAN. We also offer these low-cost plans for high data use. BGAN SIM cards are forever and do not need to be replaced. A deactivated SIM/Plan can be reactivated with any BGAN plan we offer. Unused Megabytes/Gigabytes purchased from any plan above do not rollover if the plan is renewed. Purchase is of BGAN SIM Card that is activated, installed and fully tested with purchased equipment (if equipment is purchased). Consumer grade routing services are for those comfortable with possible network congestion that may impact Internet speeds. BGAN Standard + plans and some other plans may require credit approval, credit card or deposit. *Incoming voice calls are free, however the calling party will be charged at their provider's rates to call to your satellite phone. Voice calls over BGAN service do not use available Megabytes, meaning there is no extra charge other than standard BGAN Calling Rates. All BGAN SIM Cards / Plans may be upgraded, renewed, refilled, reactivated to any plan anytime... Just email us or use this online form. Please request voicemail services be activated. Activation of voicemail is free. BGAN Voicemail Instructions. BGAN Benefits - Free usage reports, daily/weekly/monthly thresholds and free firewall controls. You may purchase just the BGAN SIM Card(s) from Ground Control for ANY existing BGAN terminal(s). We ship SIMs free worldwide. BGAN terminals operate in any country with the 4 Inmarsat satellites without any plan changes. No licence or certification required. There is a one-time activation fee of $40 with most accounts. There is no activation cost for renewing, or upgrading an active BGAN SIM. All annual prepaid BGAN plans may auto-renew each year unless requested otherwise. Excellent for long-term use. BGAN consumer grade Standard + plans are for land based subscribers only. Standard + Plan tiers reset on the last day of the month at 11:59:59 PM GMT time. Usage after that time counts toward a new month. BGAN Prepaid Voucher Service Plans are available from Ground Control. A higher cost per MB service using voucher units. BGAN Firewall - BGAN VPN - Streaming - SMS - FAX - Standard & Non-standard calling.
MCD-4800 Accessories
MCD-4800 Terminal Upgrade - Gen1 Model to Gen 2
Upgrade your Gen I model of the MCD-4800 with the improvement of Gen II. Includes new case with bumpers, new batteries and all ruggedized internals for a fully updated Gen 2.
MPN: BGANTMCD4800GENIICONV
100 Watt Foldable Solar Panel - MCD-4800 Charger & Universal Charger
This lightweight and compact 100 watt solar panel will connect directly to the MCD-4800 for full power or power assist depending on available light... or for recharging the batteries when the unit is off. Click for larger image
MPN: BGANAMCD04
Directional 10 dBi Wireless Antenna This directional antenna extends the wireless range of the MCD-4800 in one direction (a focused angle 66 degree wide by 16 degrees vertical from the face of the antenna). This RP-SMA antenna folds down for for closing the MCD-4800 case lid.
MPN: BGANAMCDANT01
RJ-45 & RJ11 Watertight Connectors for Ethernet and Phone
Make your own watertight cables with these watertight caps that connect directly to the faceplate of the MCD-4800. While standard Ethernet cables may connect to the MCD-4800 front panel, these caps will make your Cat5e RJ45 Ethernet cable or RJ11 phone cable have a watertight connection to the MCD-4800 case. Requires standard RJ-45/RJ11 crimper tool to make. MPN: BGANAMCD08
25 Foot (8.6m) Waterproof Extension Cable - Ethernet & Phone
While standard Ethernet or phone cables may connect to the MCD external panel, these Extension Cables have one end with a watertight quick-connect adapter to the MCD panel and the other end with an RJ-45 Port. Connects with either an Ethernet (RJ45) and phone (RJ11) cables for a watertight seal to the MCD panel - Click for larger image MPN: BGANAMCDEXT25
KIT - BB-2590 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion External Battery
Kit includes the rechargeable BB-2590 external battery to power the MCD-4800 for an additional 3 hours (per battery). Kit also includes "Battery Connector Cable" (MPN: BGANAMCD06) that connects battery to MCD-4800, and the "Battery Recharger" (MPN: BTC-70791-LR) for recharging the BB-2590 battery. Battery Technical Information Battery Recharger Information
MPN: BB-2590KIT
BB-2590 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion External Battery
Extra BB-2590 batteries. Allows the MCD-4800 to operate for an additional 3 hours. 300 Watt hour. Requires Battery Connector Cable(MPN-BGANAMCD06) for battery connection to MCD-4800. Also Requires Battery Recharger for BB-2590(MPN: BTC-70791-LR) for recharging the battery. BB-2590 Battery Technical Information
MPN: BB-2590 (aka BB-2590/U)
Battery Recharger for BB-2590 External Battery AC-DC Battery Recharger (110 to 240 VAC). May use international power plug adapters for recharging from any AC power source from any country. (Plug adapters are shipped with MCD-4800). Will recharge BB-2590 within 10 hours. Battery Recharger Information
MPN: BTC-70791-LR
Battery Connector Cable
36" (3 feet) connector cable between an external battery (type BB-2590 or BB-5590) and the MCD-4800. Includes voltage regulator for smooth operation. Click for larger image.
MPN: BGANAMCD06
High-Performance Optimized Laptop
Control usage with a high-performance optimized laptop. This Windows 10 machine has been designed from the ground up to limit background data transferring unknown in the background, like Microsoft telemetry and updates. This laptop also has no bloatware and places the owner back in control of what is being transferred over their expensive and limited Internet connection. SKU: LAPTOPGCX Information on the BGAN Optimized Laptop
Hardened MCD Accessory Case
This optional Pelican case for accessories included with the MCD-4800, is an upgrade from the existing fabric case that ships with the MCD-4800. All colors are available (tan, OD green, yellow, orange, silver, black), normally matching the color of the MCD-4800 ordered unless requested otherwise.
SKW: MCD1400CASE
EMP (Electro Magnetic Pulse) Protection Bag
Protect any MCD device with this EMP bag from Ground Control. Designed to protect sensitive electronics. Click for a larger photo
SKW: MCDEMPBAG
Long-Range (2 mile / 3.2 km) Cordless Phones with Watertight Base Station Case
Connect the Durafon Base Station Case to the phone port of the MCD-4800, and the included handset phones can travel up to 2 miles away from the base. Operates for days on internal power. If you need to have phone communication at distance from the MCD-4800, this wireless voice solution untethers the user from being physically connected to the BGAN terminal.
Long Range Cordless Phones for BGAN
MPN: BGANDURAFON
Gen 2 - MCD-4800 Internal Batteries (Includes 2 packs)
Each MCD-4800 includes two high-capacity NiMh (Nickel-Metal Hydride) battery packs inside of the case. Kit includes instructions for replacing packs with existing batteries. Replacement Manual
MPN: BGANAMCDBAT
MCD-4800 Replacement AC/DC Charger - Generation 2 The current "Gen 2" charger for the MCD-4800 works for both fast charging (under 4 hours), and "maintenance mode" charging for long term storage. It replaces the two previous chargers used in the Gen 1 model. Keep it plugged in for long term storage to maintain battery at 100%. Total length is 12' feet (3.6 meters) This charger is not compatible with Gen 1 MCD-4800 terminals.
MPN: BGANAMCDCHARGER
MCD-4800 3 Year Extended Warranty
This is a 24 month extension on the standard 12 month warranty. Standard & extended warranties include replacement parts & labor.
SKW: BGANAMCD3YWAR
MCD-4800 5 Year Extended Warranty
This is a 48 month extension on the standard 12 month warranty. Standard & Extended warranties include replacement parts & labor.
SKW: BGANAMCD5YWAR
The MCD-4800 integrates with Hughes 9450TW BGAN terminal enclosed in a hardened Pelican 1450 case (Flyaway Case) with our proprietary electronics and software. System components include an AC/DC power-supply / charger with international plug adapters (US, UK, AU, EU, China, N. Europe), 12V vehicle mini-inverter, compass, cradled analog phone, laminated Quickstart Guide (affixed to case lid), users manuals, software, and a small ruggedized bag to hold all components.
Terminal Capability
Internet (an open TCP-IP network to the Internet backbone), Email, Phone, Fax, SMS (MCD-4800 only), VoIP, FTP, video streaming, VPN, private networking options available
Data / Internet Speeds
Rated up to 464 Kbps down x 448 Kbps up with a standard IP data connection. Class 2 BGAN
BGAN service can be expensive. 
