BGAN (pronounced ‘Be-gan’) is short for ‘broadband global area network”. Basically, BGAN terminals are the size of a laptop and connect to the internet through a satellite connection no matter where you are in the world.

There are about 18 kinds of BGAN terminals, most of which are small enough to fit inside a laptop case. They all do pretty much the same thing – high-speed internet and phone. Connecting your computer to a BGAN terminal is done with a simple Ethernet cable or, as with some terminals, through a Wi-Fi connection – great for when you want to be inside while the terminal is outside, or you have a smart device where Wi-Fi is required.

To connect to the satellite, a BGAN terminal must have line-of-sight to one of the four BGAN satellites, meaning there can’t be any trees, walls, or buildings between the terminal and the satellite. Often, a BGAN terminal is placed outside but in can be inside and point through a window if the satellite can be seen.

If you’re within one of the four colored regions, BGAN service will operate on the same service plan with Ground Control. More on BGAN’s global coverage area.

These four satellites (owned by Inmarsat) are in stationary orbit around the planet, so no matter where the BGAN is, it can connect. Only the extreme polar regions are unable to connect because the satellites are below the horizon and can’t be seen.