BGAN Class Types - Ground Control

BGAN class types refer to the maximum capable speeds of a BGAN terminal. These ratings are applied by Inmarsat, who certifies all BGAN terminals. Inmarsat states that all terminals must deliver no less than 70% of the published Inmarsat bit-rate for the class that it’s rated for.

The difference in speeds between a Class 1 and Class 2 BGAN terminal is quite small – a Class 1 is 94% as fast over a standard internet connection (charged by the megabyte).

The big difference between these BGAN class types is that a Class 1 has much faster streaming services that are charged by-the-minute. Streaming services are unshared data connections and are often used by news broadcasters to stream live video from remote locations and can cost over $25 per minute.

BGAN Terminal Class Definition

Class	Upload	Download	Streaming Services
	Standard Connect	Standard Connect	Unshared Connect. Charged by the minute connectio
BGAN Class 3	348Kbps	240Kbps	32Kbps, 64Kbps
BGAN Class 2	464Kbps	448Kbps	32Kbps, 64Kbps, 128Kbps
BGAN Class 1	492Kbps	492Kbps	32Kbps, 64Kbps, 128Kbps, 256Kbps, 450Kbps
BGAN Class 1 (HDR-capable)	492Kbps	492Kbps	32Kbps, 64Kbps, 128Kbps, 256Kbps, 450Kbps and the new 650Kbps BGAN HDR service available with the Explorer 710 BGAN Terminal and the Hughes 9211

BGAN Terminal	Class	Streaming Speeds
Explorer 110	Class 3	32 and 64Kbps (discontinued BGAN terminal)
Explorer 300	Class 3	32 and 64Kbps (discontinued BGAN terminal)
Explorer 500	Class 2	32, 64, and 128Kbps (discontinued BGAN terminal)
Explorer 510	Class 2	32, 64, and 128Kbps
Explorer 700	Class 1	32, 64, 128, 176, 256 and 450Kbps (discontinued BGAN terminal)
Explorer 710	Class 1	32, 64, 128, 176, 256, 450Kbps - and 650 Kbps HDR service
Hughes 9201	Class 1	32, 64, 128, 176, 256 and 450Kbps (discontinued BGAN terminal)
Hughes 9202	Class 2	32, 64, and 128Kbps
Hughes 9211	Class 1	32, 64, 128, 176, 256, 450Kbps - and 650Kbps HDR service
Hughes 9502	Class 2	32, 64, and 128Kbps
MCD-4800	Class 2	32, 64, and 128Kbps
Wideye iSavi	Class 3	Streaming isn't available on the IsatHub network.
Wideye Sabre	Class 3	32 and 64Kbps
Wideye Ranger	Class 3	32 and 64Kbps

In-Motion BGAN Terminals	Class	Streaming Speeds
Explorer 325	Class 2	32, 64, and 128Kbps
Explorer 727	Class 1	32, 64, 128, 176 and 256 Kbps - 450Kbps when parked
Hughes 9450-C11	Class 2	32, 64, and 128Kbps
Hughes 9450-C10	Class 1	32, 64, 128, 176Kbps (and 256 Kbps when 45° from the horizon to vertical)
MCD-4800	Class 2	32, 64, and 128Kbps
Wideye Safari	Class 2	32, 64, and 128Kbps