BGAN M2M Terminals

BGAN M2M is a two-way IP data service designed for long term machine-to-machine (M2M) usage.
It's delivered by Inmarsat using the L-band frequency which is unaffected by weather conditions.

L-band is the most popular frequency for IoT applications as it carries limited information in comparison
to Ka-band and Ku-band, but in turn, requires a low power draw, small form factor terminal.

464Kbps

connection speed

99.9%

availability

<2s

latency

BGAN M2M Simple Coverage Map

BGAN M2M Coverage Map

With four geostationary satellites providing global coverage, BGAN M2M offers uninterrupted connectivity in any location (except extreme polar regions). Offering the highest payload and lowest latency of any store-and-forward L-band satellite service, its able to support data volumes ranging megabytes to gigabytes.

From real-time surveillance to high-volume telemetry, BGAN M2M delivers robust two-way IP data connectivity with remote terminal management capabilities. Its lightweight and robust hardware make it a plug-and-play solution for a wide range of M2M and IoT applications.

More Details on BGAN M2M Coverage

BGAN M2M Service Plans and Pricing

For more information about our BGAN M2M Service Plans, please visit our dedicated BGAN M2M airtime page.

Plan:
1 MB
2 MB
5 MB
10 MB
15 MB
20 MB
Price Per Month:
£19.60
£25.70
£39.10
£65.20
£87.00
£98.00
Included Data:
1 MB
2 MB
5 MB
10 MB
15 MB
20 MB
Activation Fee (GBP):
£26.00
£26.00
£26.00
£26.00
£26.00
£26.00
Overage Fee Per MB:
£19.60
£13.00
£12.20
£10.40
£9.60
£8.70
Minimum Contract Term:
1 Month
1 Month
1 Month
1 Month
1 Month
1 Month
Plan:
1 MB
2 MB
5 MB
10 MB
15 MB
20 MB
Price Per Month:
$22.50
$29.50
$45.00
$75.00
$100.00
$112.50
Included Data:
1 MB
2 MB
5 MB
10 MB
15 MB
20 MB
Activation Fee (USD):
$30.00
$30.00
$30.00
$30.00
$30.00
$30.00
Overage Fee per MB:
$22.50
$15.00
$14.00
$12.00
$11.00
$10.00
Minimum Contract Term:
1 Month
1 Month
1 Month
1 Month
1 Month
1 Month

Benefits of BGAN M2M Service

Is BGAN M2M the right choice for your IoT connectivity challenge? Here are some of the key benefits of the service; speak to us if you'd like advice on your application.

IP-Based for Easy Integration

Data speeds are 448kbps (send) / 464kbps (receive) which is more than enough for most IoT applications. Because it's IP-based, it's easy to integrate with your existing infrastructure.

Unrivalled Reliability

Inmarsat delivers 99.9% network availability, which is as good as it gets. As BGAN M2M uses the L-band frequency, your devices will remain connected wherever they are, and whatever the weather.

Cost-Effective and Flexible

Ground Control was Inmarsat's first ELEVATE partner which means we have access to great airtime rates for BGAN M2M service. It's ideal for IP SCADA and remote fixed asset monitoring.

Product Testing and Installation

We test every third party device we send out to make sure it's working, and it has the latest firmware installed. We can also help you in-person or remotely with site selection and installation.

Cloudloop Platform and Applications

Cloudloop puts you in control of your devices and data. Developer-friendly APIs and a intuitive online platform simplifies your data, device and subscription management.

Expertise and Support

In our 2022 customer survey, 66% of our customers rated our customer support as above or well above average, and we're trusted to help solve challenging IoT problems in the most cost-efficient way.

Comparing Satellite IoT Connectivity

It’s tricky to compare airtime services because so much depends on how much data you need to send, but as a rough guide, we’ve put together the following comparison points. Get in touch if you’d like any help deciding what will work best for you.

Service:
Iridium SBD
Iridium Certus 100
Inmarsat BGAN M2M
Connection Type:
Message-Based
IP-Based
IP-Based
Typical Connection Speed:
270 / 320B per Message
22 / 88 Kbps
448 / 464 Kbps
Satellite Orbit:
Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
Geo-stationary
Latency:
Very Low
Very Low
Low
Total Cost of Ownership:
Very Low
Medium
Low
Power Usage:
Very Low
Medium
Low
Connection Frequency:
On Demand
Frequently Connected
Frequently Connected
Great For:
Very small amounts of data from individual sensors
Fixed or mobile IoT applications which require IP connection
Fixed IoT applications with larger amounts of data to transfer via an IP connection

BGAN M2M FAQs

What types of applications are suitable for BGAN M2M equipment?

BGAN M2M is suitable for applications that require reliable and resilient machine-to-machine connectivity, in remote or harsh environments. Supporting applications with data volumes ranging from megabytes to gigabytes, some common examples include:

• IP SCADA for data backhaul
• Telemetry & SCADA
• Well head and pipeline monitoring
• Monitoring and controlling extraction and distribution of equipment
• Smart grid, smart metering (concentrator backhaul) and recloser control
• Railways for trackside monitoring and crossings
• Remote video surveillance, telemetry and tracking
• Road signage
• Weather and environmental monitoring
• Emergency response communications
• Mobile connectivity for field operations

For more ideas, you can also read all of our case studies leveraging the BGAN M2M service.

How does BGAN M2M handle data transmission and what are the data rates?

BGAN M2M data transmission is handled by a network of four satellites in geostationary orbit. Utilising a two-way IP data service, it enables reliable and secure communication between the remote M2M devices and the central server or control centre.

BGAN M2M operates on a store-and-forward principle. Data is collected from the remote M2M devices and stored in the terminal before being transmitted to the central server or control centre via satellite. This ensures reliable delivery of data even in areas with intermittent or unstable connectivity. Data rates and volume do vary depending on chosen terminal, but can achieve send rates of up to 448kbps with latency from 800 milliseconds – assuring near real-time visibility of critical data.

Are there any specific requirements for power supply and installation of BGAN M2M devices?

BGAN M2M devices are designed to operate with minimal power, but a stable power source is essential. Power supply options vary based on the device and application, but can include direct connection to a power outlet, battery power, or solar solutions. Companies must consider available power supply when choosing their BGAN M2M terminal as different devices have varying power requirements. For example, the Hughes 9502 consumes only 3W during transmission, while the Cobham Explorer 323 requires 27W. So it’s vital to select a device that aligns with the available power capacity or implement effective power management strategies.

Though many BGAN M2M devices are built to withstand harsh conditions, when considering installation options businesses should consider environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and potential physical hazards. Proper installation, with unobstructed line-of-sight to one of Inmarsat’s I-4 satellites is key for optimal performance. This may involve mounting BGAN M2M terminals and/or antennas, on poles or buildings.

Can BGAN M2M devices be integrated with existing IoT platforms or systems?

Yes, BGAN M2M devices can be easily integrated with existing IoT infrastructure. Devices support standard IP connectivity, making it straightforward to establish communication with other IoT devices and systems. They can transmit and receive data using common IoT protocols such as MQTT or HTTP, enabling interoperability and data exchange with your existing infrastructure.

BGAN M2M terminals provide a simple Ethernet interface for connecting to a machine/device or IoT gateway, and depending on your security requirements, inter-connectivity can also be achieved – using a cloud-based service, VPN or even custom APNs. To discuss your specific set up and requirements further, please get in touch via hello@groundcontrol.com and our Architecture Team will assist.

How does BGAN M2M support security and encryption for data transmission?

Satellite data traffic is already relatively secure. However Ground Control offers several additional layers of security for our BGAN M2M subscribers; including firewall controls, data encryption, VPNs and private network solution via MPLS installation or leased-lines.

To find out more, simply see BGAN M2M Firewall Traffic Rules or contact the team at sales@groundcontrol.com to talk through your options.

Can We Help?

If you've decided on the hardware you need, and want a quote and lead time, please call or email us, or complete the form, and we'll be happy to help.

If you'd like some impartial advice on the best device and airtime for your IoT connectivity requirements, get in touch; with 20 years' experience there isn't much we don't know about satellite IoT connectivity and devices!