New Satellite Internet Connection for RV's

[Chris Dougherty]

This is reprinted from the Family Motor Coach Association's monthly magazine, Family Motor Coaching:

Datron Establishes Mobile Internet Connection

Using one of its DBS-4500 in-motion satellite TV antenna systems, Datron Systems has established a high-speed Internet connection to a moving vehicle. Through a satellite link to a vehicle driving at highway speeds, this connection provides full Internet capability, enabling the user to download large files, access Web sites, send and receive e-mail, and perform other tasks normally accomplished through a home or office terminal.

The techniques used are applicable to all of Datron's mobile satellite systems, which are used in motorhomes, aircraft, boats, vans, and sport-utility vehicles.

"Now that Datron has broken the technical barriers to mobile Internet connections, discussions are under way with satellite service providers who should be quick to tap into these unserved mobile markets," said David A. Derby, Datron's chairman, president, and chief executive officer.

[Mark Sedenquist]

Thanks for this posting. Iam at Networld in Las Vegas where I have been speaking folks at Tachyon which provides satellite service using Geosynchronous birds. I will look into this too.

RW

[Mark Sedenquist]

Tachyon, DirecPC and Datron are all using Geo-synchronous satellites. Tachyon has two-way service (sold to ISP's it is not a direct consumer service). Range between 64K and 256K upstream with downloads at 300K to 2MB. Cost is $6k for the equipment and $700 to $2200 per month for service.

I still can't find the information about the Datron-DishNetwork service offerings.

DirecPC is supposed to be able to offer two way by September 2000 upstream at 128K to 256K and down in bursts of 400K. Cost information is not yet available.

GlobalStar's information will be posted next week

RW

[Mark Sedenquist]

A new version of the Qualcomm website with information about applications for the RV market is now live. Go to www.qualcomm.com/globalstar

More news later.

RW