This section of the website provides a variety of answers to questions about satellite-based communications products, services and all things Cinetcomm.

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What is VSAT? – Very Small Aperture Terminals, known as VSAT, is a two-way satellite system, typically using Ku- or C-band spectrum.  It is used for a wide variety of applications at fixed locations or in motion, on land, water, and in the air.

Can Cinetcomm provide service on my existing VSAT equipment? – In nearly every case the answer is Yes! Cinetcomm provides VSAT services across a variety of network hubs, including iDirect, Comtech, Hughes and ViaSat. Should your operation have multiple styles of modem at different locations, that’s okay too. Cinetcomm VSAT, MSS and LTE Networks support them across a common IP-centric core so they all work together.

What is “Enterprise Grade” Service? – It is a level of service that performs at guaranteed rates with features not available on satellite internet provider consumer networks. It also support the wide variety of applications that support business and agency operations in a secure, yet economical manner.

What is a communications satellite? – A communications satellite is a device used to receive and transmit radio signals. The satellite has communications equipment including receive and transmit antennas, power, and electronic components which enable it to receive a signal from a satellite terminal and then transmit that same signal to another satellite.

What is a satellite terminal? – A satellite terminal is anything you use to receive or transmit a signal via a satellite, such as a satellite phone, satellite radio, satellite dish, satellite antenna, or VSAT.

What is a satellite gateway? – A satellite gateway, also referred to as a teleport or hub, is the ground station that houses the network equipment connecting remote field terminals back to agency networks, the internet, telephone, and video networks.

Do satellite phones work just like cell phones? – Satellite phones offer many of the same characteristics as cellular phones including a similar user interface and design. Satellite phones are slightly larger in size than cellular phones because the antenna required to communicate on the satellite frequencies must be larger than a cellular phone antenna. Another fundamental difference between traditional wireless phones and satellite phones is that when the phone is in satellite mode, it must be within line of sight of the satellite in order to complete calls. Therefore, a traditional satellite phone cannot be used indoors, unless equipped with an external antenna on the building. Some dual-mode satellite phones will work indoors in cellular mode when the user is within a cellular serviced area. 

How secure is satellite? -Satellite is as secure as any IP connection. In circumstances where high security is required, commercial off-the-shelf security hardware and encryption applications can be applied to secure the network. Security protocols operating on an agency’s network today can also be used in the satellite-based wireless environment.

Are satellite services and equipment reliable? – Yes. Satellite-based wireless services and terminal equipment are reliable. Reliability is a critical factor to consider when using satellite for response recovery operations because it is often the only wireless network with coverage in an affected area.  

Why are satellites an essential component in all critical infrastructure telecom network planning? -Satellite-based wireless systems enable rapid deployment and or restoration and truly mobile communications. First responders should incorporate satellite services and networks as a redundancy requirement in their own agency communications network or architecture. Satellite systems should be emphasized and included in the early planning of these initiatives to ensure there is a backup communications solution when the terrestrial network is damaged or destroyed. Without a satellite component to any future emergency response communications network, the emergency communications network will be rendered useless for the first responders when the terrestrial network next sustains damage or becomes overloaded.