RBGAN System outage notification
 

Please note, because of the platform migration MVS Group RBGAN web site will not be available on Wednesday, November 30, 2005. 

Planned outage window is:
05:00-15:00 GMT

Note, that actual migration may take significantly shorter times. 

No activations and status changes can be submitted during this window.

RBGAN terminals will function as usually. 

Sorry for inconvenience.

Should you have any concerns or comments that you would like to raise regarding this or any other matter, please contact zoila@mvsusa.com

Sincerely,

The MVS Group

BGAN & RBGAN Scheduled Network Outage Notification
 

Dear Distribution Partner 

We would like to advise that Inmarsat plans to carry out a satellite reconfiguration of Inmarsat 4F1 Satellite on Wednesday 19 October 2005 @ 23:00 UTC.  This reconfiguration is necessary to increase the capacity for BGAN and RBGAN services, which will generate a total traffic outage for RBGAN and BGAN of about 30 minutes. This task will be carried out during the next secondary maintenance window Wednesday 19 October 2005 @ 23:00 UTC.  

Outage Notification from Inmarsat Customer Service & Operations 

Reason for notice:          I4F1 Satellite reconfiguration

            Services affected:           R-BGAN

            Regions/spots affected:  All I4F1 coverage

Impact:                         Total traffic outage

Terminals affected:         All Regional BGAN and BGAN

            Date of outage:              19 October 2005

            Time outage begins:       23:00 UTC

            Time outage ends:         23:30 UTC

            Actions needed by user: Re-establish connection

In case of problems:       Contact Inmarsat Customer Service

            Outage probability:         Definite

            Special concerns:          None

I would like to assure you of Inmarsats ongoing commitment to providing the highest level of customer service and satisfaction and the scheduled outage outlined above forms part of the ongoing review and analysis of our network infrastructure. 

Should you have any concerns or comments that you would like to raise regarding this or any other matter, please contact zoila@mvsusa.com

Sincerely,

The MVS Group

R-BGAN Software Release 3.15.0
 

Inmarsat is pleased to announce the release of 3.15.0 R-BGAN User Terminal Software. This software has been developed to further enhance the performance of the R-BGAN terminal and to facilitate the operation at low elevation angles.

This version is of great benefit to the users located at the edge of the coverage of the Inmarsat 4 IOR, potentially extending the R-BGAN coverage down to 0 degrees elevation angles.

The main feature included in this software release is: 

The capability of the User Terminal to operate also in locations where pointing elevation angle is lower than 5 degrees.  

With this new version the users will be able to establish a network connection from low elevation angle locations, provided that they have clear line of sight of the satellite and good signal strength.  

The software release is now available via the usual upgrade process using the R-BGAN Launch Pad utility.

MVS advises all customers to upgrade their terminals to this new release.

Should you have any questions regarding this announcement or the R-BGAN service please email zoila@mvsusa.com

Sincerely,

The MVS Group

Regional BGAN migration to Inmarsat-4

UPGRADE BY JULY 31!
 

All existing R-BGAN terminals are already designed to work with the new Inmarsat-4 (I-4) satellites. In order to continue using the service and to take advantage of the extended coverage, users need only to perform a simple software upgrade to their R-BGAN terminals.

The I-4 Upgrade package is available in the following formats:

• CD (distributed by your Inmarsat Service Provider)
   
• Online from the Inmarsat website (http://regionalbgan.inmarsat.com/upgrade)
   
• Via the Upgrade option located on the R-BGAN Launch Pad

Please follow the following simple steps for the upgrade:

1. Ensure you obtain a copy of the I-4 Upgrade Package as soon as it becomes available. 
   
    
2. Carry out the upgrade to your R-BGAN terminal. 
    
    
3. Rotate the antenna switch from L to R to change polarization. If using an external antenna, rotate the antenna switch to EXT and change antenna polarity as indicated in the external antenna manual. 
   
    
4. Switch the terminal ON and follow the normal antenna pointing procedure, noting that at this time the maximum signal strength will require the antenna to be in a slightly different direction as it is now pointing towards the new I-4 satellite.

Further instructions on how to perform the upgrade are available in the document I-4 Migration Quick Start Guide, included in the I-4 Upgrade Package. 

R-BGAN Migration to Inmarsat I-4 – the Final Stage
 

 We are now entering the final stage of the planned transfer for our R-BGAN customers from operating via Thuraya’s satellite to Inmarsat’s new I-4 satellite.

 During this last stage of transition it will be necessary to interrupt the R-BGAN service over the Thuraya satellite on Monday July 25^th to enable necessary system reconfiguration.  This reconfiguration is expected to be completed within 3 hours after which time limited access will be restored.

 This limited service will be sufficient for customers to download the I-4 operating software should they still need to do so, however it may subject to further scheduled outages until the final cessation of the Thuraya service at the end of July.

 The R-BGAN service via the Inmarsat I-4 satellite will not be affected. MVS is urging all R-BGAN users to make the transition as soon as possible – but ultimately before final closure of service access via the Thuraya satellite on July 31^st. In the meantime, we will continue to support you wherever possible to minimise customer service disruption during the last days of service availability there.

 Should you have any questions in regard to this matter, please do not hesitate to contact Zoila Zambrano, MVS Customer Service Manager either via email to zoila@mvsusa.com or via telephone on 1-201-447-1505.

 Yours sincerely

 The MVS Group

 

NERA SATCOM HAS RELEASED A NEW SATURN B MARINE SOFTWARE TO IMPROVE SERVICE ON THE NEW INMARSAT-4 (I-4) SATELLITE

MVS Saturn B Marine customers must upgrade to Saturn BM Software 5.15 to maintain quality service

Nera Satcom will be offering an improved portfolio of Inmarsat services on the new Inmarsat-4 (I-4) satellite.   MVS Saturn B Marine customers can benefit from the enhanced service by installing the new Saturn BM Software 5.15.  The current software upgrade integrates the I-4 satellite environment and updates the 5.14 release; for example, the 5.15 upgrade will vastly improve the Telex service.

Please note that when servicing Saturn B Marine (Warranty and Non-Warranty) it is mandatory to upgrade MCU software. The 5.15 version software can be found at: ftp://ftp.nera.no/mesbbs/Software/Saturn_B/BA515_540/  

For more information, please contact Zoila Zambrano at +201-447-1505.

 

July 2005

The MVS Group (MVS) is one of the first R-BGAN (Regional Broadband Global Area Network) users to benefit from the launch of the Inmmarsat-4 (I-4) satellites.

Inmarsat selected MVS, a top-tier distribution partner and service provider, for early migration. On July 4th, 2005, Andreas Minder, MVS Cyprus, successfully accessed the new satellite. “The upgrade process was straightforward using the supplied CD and it worked immediately,” Andreas reported to MVS USA.   MVS Group customers will enjoy the simplicity of the migration process on July 9, 2005, when Inmarsat plans to transition all digital satellite services throughout the Indian Ocean Region to the new I-4 satellite.   The migration of Regional BGAN services to the I-4 satellite completes the transition of all Inmarsat services to the new satellite, including: Inmarsat B, C, Mini-C, D, D+, M, Mini-M, M4 (GAN), and Fleet.   The new satellite will cover all of Africa and increase coverage in South and Southeast Asia and parts of Australia. For a detailed map of the coverage area please visit http://regionalbgan.Inmarsat.com/page_70.htm MVS understands that reliable communication is critical to its customers business.  As a global communications specialist, MVS is working closely with Inmarsat to ensure quality service on the new I-4 Satellite. For more information, please contact Zoila Zambrano at +1-201-447-1505.

July 2005

The difference between the various available I4 software versions

As we are currently in the migration week, we would like to clarify the   difference between the various available I4 software versions, which may cause     confusion.    Currently there are three versions of I4 software: Version 3.7.4: this is the base line version, distributed via CD in early June.   Version 3.11.0: this version was only released on the Inmarsat website from the middle of June till the 9th of July. This version addressed an issue where an incoming connection to the UT could not be established. This did not affect any normal mobile originated connections.   Version 3.14.0: this version was released on the 9th of July on the Inmarsat website and via the ‘Upgrade facility’ in Launch pad. This version optimised the edge of coverage operation.   All the above versions of software allow the users to gain the benefits of the I4     satellite and there is no mandatory requirement to upgrade to the later versions     unless the user requires the extra functionality identified.      Important: If users have already upgraded to either 3.7.4 or 3.11.0 and wish to   upgrade to the latest   3.14.0 version they must use the ‘Upgrade Facility’ in the   Launch Pad.       Depending on the software version installed the user may have experienced   lower signal level compared to the usual Regional BGAN operation between   Saturday 9th and Tuesday 12th of July. This was due to signal adjustment at     the SAS as part of the final tuning process once migration commenced and it   had no impact on the quality of the service users received.     We take this opportunity to remind you once again to encourage your   customers to migrate to the I4 satellite as soon as possible.   Should you have any questions in regard to this matter, please do not hesitate   to contact Zoila Zambrano, MVS Customer Service Manager either via email to   zoila@mvsusa.com or via telephone on 1-201-447-1505.

July 2005

Regional BGAN Satellite Migration REGIONAL BGAN SATELLITE MIGRATION BEGINS JULY 9, 2005

REGIONAL BGAN MIGRATION INSTRUCTIONS: In order to continue using the service and take advantage of the extended coverage, users need only to perform a simple software upgrade to their R-BGAN terminals. The I-4 Upgrade package is available in the following formats:           · Online from the Inmarsat website (available now)               (http://regionalbgan.inmarsat.com/upgrade)           · Via the Upgrade option located on the R-BGAN Launch Pad             (only available after July 9, 2005) Please follow the simple steps below for the upgrade:             1. Obtain a copy of the I-4 Upgrade Package as soon as it                        becomes available.             2. On or shortly after July 9, carry out the upgrade to your R-                   BGAN terminal. Important: Do not complete the upgrade before the specified date                        otherwise you will lose service.             3. Rotate the antenna switch from L to R to change                  polarization.                    If using an external antenna, rotate the antenna switch to                    EXT and change antenna polarity as indicated in the external                  antenna manual.             4. Switch the terminal ON and follow the normal antenna pointing                  procedure, noting that at this time the maximum signal                  strength will require the antenna to be in a slightly different                 direction as it is now pointing towards the new I-4 satellite. Further instructions on how to perform the upgrade are available in the document I-4 Migration Quick Start Guide, included in the I-4 Upgrade Package.   The MVS Group Updated MVS Group website The MVS Group is pleased to announce the launch of our newly updated website at www.themvsgroup.com. We have restructured many features including our online customer care center, the Regional BGAN control unit, and our standard-setting Online Shop. In addition, we have made some changes to our partner control interface that greatly simplifies the management of online accounts. If you already have a user login, your information has not changed. To get your own unique username and password, simply visit our website and sign up now. We are always adding new features to our website so be sure to check back soon for exciting new updates! Corporate T: +1.201.447.1505 F: +1.201.612.0093 Moscow T: +7.095.967.1237 F: +7.095.967.1238 Cyprus T: +357.25.879.256 F: +357.25.431.117 Maine T: +1.207.664.0122 F: +1.207.664.0164 United Kingdom T: +44.0118.983.5851 F: +44.0118.983.4654 www.themvsgroup.com   Launch of Inmarsat-4   'World a smaller place' with successful launch of Inmarsat-4' The Connect team is delighted to confirm the successful launch of the first Inmarsat-4 satellite from Cape Canaveral on Friday. “The world has just got a little smaller,” says Inmarsat chairman Andrew Sukawaty. “We have created communications history. The I-4 satellite is one of the largest and most powerful commercial satellites ever launched, and will deliver unprecedented data speeds for mobile satellite communication service.”   May 2005  On 28 May 2005 at  2000hrs GMT Inmarsat will start the transition from the I-3 IOR satellite to the new I-4 satellite in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Services migrated will include Inmarsat-C and mini-C as well as  Inmarsat B, D, D+, M, Mini-M, GAN, and Fleet. Overall, the transition of these services will occur automatically and will require no action by users.  With the exception of a brief interruption of the services during the actual transition to the new satellite (expected to be a few minutes) the transition will go unnoticed. During the transition period, the sent Data Reports (Position Reports) from any Inmarsat-C/mini-C terminals may disappear and will not be received at the monitoring centers.

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