Connecting Your Mobile

(extract of presentation)

Upper Murray Regional Library (UMRL) has participated in two separate satellite trials:

1. Inmarsat MPDS two-way satellite system  (terminated November 2003 funded by RLOL).
2. NewSat broadband two-way satellite system (currently part of three month trial funded by NSWnet).

The first trial was very successful but was discontinued because of unsustainable and unpredictable on-going costs.

The current trial (NewSat) has been running for two weeks so it is too early to determine the reliability of the system.

• The speed of the connection is excellent. The text based module of the library management system runs at a very acceptable speed and the windows based module is as fast as being on the network in headquarters (when combined with a Microsoft terminal services server).
• The service is 256/64mbps with negligible latency or delay.
• The ISP service is unlimited upload/download and approximately $320 per month. A 128/64mbps service is also available at approx $230/month.
• We have had to adjust the direction and location of where the truck is parked to get a signal because the satellite is low on the horizon and many of our locations have geographical interference. Often moving the truck slightly and ensuring that the satellite dish is facing north east before deploying has enable an operating connection.
• This system is already WiFi (802.11b) capable which means network cabling is unnecessary.

Mobile Library Coordinator and Satellite dish pre installation 114cm Wide x 155cm Long x 35cm high.  Weight 75Kg	NewSat Satellite dish
Satellite dish pre installation	Satellite in action
Internal unit in UMRL3 approx 40cmH x 55cmW x 55cm D	Internal unit in Riverina's truck

Newsat brochures:          Brochure          Flyer        Specifications         Case Study

UMRL is also testing 1X technology.

by Sonia Higgs, Information Systems Manager, Upper Murray Regional Library