BGAN Explorer upgrade program

Important infor­mation about BGAN Explorer 300, 500 and 700 terminals:

Cobham Satcom has recently informed us of an issue related to the GPS module of these legacy terminals. Due to the obsoles­cence of this module, the BGAN Explorer 300, 500 and 700 terminals are no longer able to connect to the Inmarsat network. The Explorer 500 and 700 products were discon­tinued in 2014/2015 with last service date in 2018/2019. While the relia­bility and long life has been a great benefit, age does have its conse­quences, and unfor­tu­nately the legacy terminals are no longer able to continue operation. Currently, only terminals manufac­tured between 2004 and 2007 are affected. However, all other BGAN Explorer 300, 500 and 700 terminals will also be impacted in the coming years and will cease to function.

Our technical team have seen that ‘GPS Rollover’ has started to occur in some early production series of E700/500/300 terminals. This means that the terminals have an internal GPS chipset version which no longer will be able to calculate correct timestamps and therefore not be able to register to the Inmarsat BGAN network. The issue does not apply to all terminals — but to some which have a certain Ublox4 GPS chipset revision TIM-LC. The GPS chipset is located in the antenna, so the issue relates to production of the antenna. We have found that antennas manufac­tured until end of 2007 can have this particular chipset mounted for Explorer 700. For Explorer 500, the described chipset was used until medio 2007. Production time given in Year/week can be found on the antenna s/n label.

To address this situation, Cobham Satcom has imple­mented a special terminal exchange program for the 300, 500 and 700 models. This program allows you to upgrade to the new BGAN Explorer 510 and 710 terminals. This is an oppor­tunity to upgrade your equipment to new future proof products. The exchange program will be a time limited offer for replacement. Between today and the 1st of September 2023 included, a 15% discount is offered on Explorer 710 and 510 orders. 

For any additional details and program require­ments, please feel free to contact us.

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