Satellite phone service to provide connectivity in underground mines
Gilat Satcom, has launched a satellite phone service to provide voice connectivity to people working in African underground mines.
Traditionally communication with underground workers has been via temporary coax cables which are prone to damage and unsuitable for many locations. Gilat Satcom's SuricatePRO service provides coverage extension for standard satellite phones extending telephony underground without loss of signal quality.
SuricatePRO takes advantage of Foxcom's leading RF-over-fibre technology. Customers need only to install outdoor and indoor units connected via fibre (up to 6km). Immediately, Iridium satphone users in the room can access the Iridium constellation.
The company has been providing a similar system to underground bunkers operated by military forces around the world for a number of years. It has adapted this system to cope with the harsh conditions found at many mines.
Dan Zajicek, CEO of Gilat Satcom said, "Communicating with workers in underground mines has always been problematical. Our system is reliable, cost-effective and market-proven. We are actively reaching out to mining companies in Africa where we know our system will be of great benefit."
