Latest Version of Stratos Dashboard Provides Even Greater Control of Mobile Broadband Costs

PR Newswire

BETHESDA, MD, Dec. 1

- Application helps users provision service, monitor airtime and control costs of Inmarsat mobile broadband satellite services -

BETHESDA, MD, Dec. 1 /PRNewswire/ – Stratos Global Corporation, the leading global provider of advanced mobile and fixed-site remote communications solutions, today announced the commercial availability of the latest version of its Stratos Dashboard application. The new version includes features that enable optimal control of mobile broadband costs.

Stratos Dashboard is the foundation of The Stratos Advantage, a suite of value-added services utilized by nearly 14,000 Stratos customers to keep Inmarsat mobile broadband voice/data service costs within budget by monitoring airtime and restricting unauthorized usage.

The new version of Stratos Dashboard includes a new suspend option known as Suspend Data. This functionality can be activated manually or as part of the application's Credit Control and High Volume Usage Metering (HVUM) features. Stratos Dashboard users now have the option to suspend only the data portion of their service – or resume all services other than data – to contain costs at any time during a service period. This new level of flexibility is especially valuable for maritime users, who wish to maintain critical voice communications at sea while keeping broadband data use within pre-determined monthly allocations.

Improved HVUM functionality in the latest version of Stratos Dashboard enables users to suspend service and automatically resume the SIM card when a new period starts. The application now also features navigational and layout improvements to facilitate ease of use.

"Our latest version of Stratos Dashboard helps us maintain a clear advantage over competing offerings. It delivers the flexibility and tactical improvements that make the latest mobile broadband services easy to use and efficient to own," said Ian Canning, Stratos Vice President, Marketing & Product Management.

The Stratos Advantage services help elevate BGAN from Stratos, FleetBroadband from Stratos and SwiftBroadband from Stratos far above baseline offerings. These convenient applications provide users with cost control, firewall management, full traffic information, pre-paid facilities, high security options, easy VPN access, messaging services and full IP range. The applications also are deployed to manage older-generation Inmarsat mobile satellite systems, Inmarsat Satellite Phone Services and Iridium mobile satellite offerings.

Stratos Dashboard enables users to do their own service provisioning, and control traffic using HVUM and Credit Control features. The application provides full access to real-time traffic overviews, billing information and firewall settings.

About BGAN from Stratos

Stratos is one of the world's largest distributors of Inmarsat's BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) service, a mobile satellite offering that uses portable, lightweight terminals to provide video (guaranteed up to 384 kbps streaming), high-speed data (up to 492 kbps) and voice connectivity anywhere in the world. Stratos now boasts more than 11,500 BGAN activations in 185 countries. Since its introduction in late 2005, BGAN from Stratos has been widely adopted by media organizations, military agencies, first responders and professionals in many other industries worldwide. More information on BGAN from Stratos is available at www.thepowerofbgan.com.

About FleetBroadband from Stratos

Stratos is also the world's largest distributor of Inmarsat's FleetBroadband, which provides cost-effective, high-speed data and voice communications – available simultaneously – at speeds up to 432kpbs. Stratos has activated more than 2,000 FleetBroadband systems across all major geographic regions and vessel types.

FleetBroadband from Stratos also provides on-demand guaranteed IP data rates, regardless of the vessel's location. The above-deck, stabilized, compact directional antennas are smaller than most existing Inmarsat Fleet products used today. FleetBroadband from Stratos also helps Stratos continue to provide ship managers with innovative crew-communications solutions, to support the recruitment and retention of well-trained seafarers. For example, FleetBroadband from Stratos is now available with a pre-paid web-browsing solution and other valuable services.

Stratos is the largest supplier of mobile satellite services to the maritime industry, with communications to more than 40,000 maritime terminals worldwide. In addition to FleetBroadband, Stratos' industry-leading portfolio of maritime broadband satellite services includes Iridium OpenPort and the VSAT solutions OceanVSAT and StratosITek. More information on FleetBroadband from Stratos is available at www.thepowerofmobilebroadband.com.

About SwiftBroadband from Stratos

Stratos is one of the world's largest distributors of Inmarsat's SwiftBroadband, which provides cost-effective, high-speed data and voice communications – available simultaneously – at speeds up to 432kpbs. It also provides on-demand guaranteed IP data rates, regardless of the aircraft's location. The service is compatible with most government-grade encryption and secure-communications standards. SwiftBroadband from Stratos provides high-performance, secure and reliable access to command-and-control information resources on the ground, facilitating situational awareness. The service enables commercial and private jet passengers to stay in touch with high-speed Internet, email and voice connectivity. In addition, pilots can use SwiftBroadband from Stratos to maintain direct contact with air-traffic control, receive real-time weather information, access the most fuel-efficient oceanic flight paths and transmit aircraft position and maintenance status to ground staff.

About Inmarsat Satellite Phone Services from Stratos

Inmarsat Satellite Phone Services from Stratos offer a competitive alternative to the handheld, fixed and maritime solutions now available in the marketplace. The services offer high-quality voice and data (2.4 kbps) connectivity via small, affordable equipment.

About Stratos

Stratos is the world's trusted leader for vital communications. Stratos offers the most powerful and extensive portfolio of remote communications solutions including mobile and fixed satellite and microwave services. More than 20,000 customers use Stratos products and industry-leading value-added services to optimize communications performance. Stratos serves U.S. and international government, military, first responder, NGO, oil and gas, industrial, maritime, aeronautical, enterprise, and media users on seven continents and across the world's oceans. For more information visit www.stratosglobal.com.

SOURCE Stratos Global Corporation

Contact

Media Contact: Carla Riggs, Director, Marketing Communications, Ph. (709) 748-4857, carla.riggs@stratosglobal.com