[Satellite TODAY 02-09-10] Iridium Communications selected Hughes Network Systems to develop an access network controller (ANC) for its gateway ground radio control network, Hughes announced Feb. 8.
    Hughes will design and supply a tested turnkey ANC system to be integrated with Iridium’s existing system as well as provide system training and maintenance. The ANC, part of Iridium’s multi-year plan to evolve its gateway network in preparation for the Iridium Next constellation, is expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2011.
    “Hughes is using state-of-the-art advanced telecommunication architecture platforms to design an ANC with significantly increased bandwidth and signal-accessing capabilities to expand Iridium’s network capacity, and support the additional features and services planned for Iridium Next,” Hughes’ Vice President and General Manager of Mobile Satellite Services Matthew Mohebbi said in a statement.
    Separately, Hughes announced Feb. 8 that it has released its 9350 Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) terminal for operation over Inmarsat satellite service.
The 9350 BGAN terminal was designed for vehicular applications operating in demanding environments and aims to deliver connectivity at data rates of up to 400 kilobits per seconed, enabling multiple users to send and receive IP packet data via Ethernet, USB and WLAN interfaces.
    The terminal also supports circuit-switched RJ-11 voice or fax calls and full ISDN support and streaming data to co-exist with other services. These abilities aim to allow end users, such as first responders and other field personnel, to collaborate with staff back at headquarters, using video, voice and data simultaneously.