SkyWave Mobile Communications explained

SkyWave Mobile Communications
Type:Subsidiary
Area Served:Worldwide
Industry:Satellite Communications; M2M
Products:Satellite tracking and monitoring terminals
Services:Satellite network services
Num Employees:180 (2013)
Parent:ORBCOMM
Foundation:Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Location City:Ottawa
Location Country:Canada
Homepage:www.skywave.com

SkyWave Mobile Communications is a global provider of satellite and satellite-cellular devices in the Machine-to-Machine (M2M) market. Skywave products help customers track, monitor and control industrial vehicles, vessels and industrial equipment. Applications include: tracking the location of vehicle fleets, monitoring data from oil and gas meters, and automated flow pumps.

SkyWave's satellite products communicate via Inmarsat's global satellite service.[1] [2] The products are mainly used in the transportation, maritime, mining, oil and gas, heavy equipment, emergency management, water monitoring, and utilities sectors.

History

SkyWave Mobile Communications was founded in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada in 1997. In its initial stages SkyWave relied on the research and technical expertise provided by the Communications Research Centre Canada (CRC) and local government funding services to develop the first product.[3]

Some examples of SkyWave products in use include theft-prevention security measures in U.S. government ships and trucks,[4] satellite services to U.S. government agencies,[5] tuna buoys in the Pacific, truck tracking in the jungles of Brazil, the oil & gas industry in North America, and drinking water control in the UK.[6] In addition, SkyWave’s satellite terminals have been used to track races such as Rhino Charge 2011,[7] the Dubai-Muscat Offshore Sailing Race in 2008,[8] and the China Sea Race from Hong Kong to Subic Bay in 2006.[9]

On April 1, 2009, Inmarsat acquired a 19% stake in SkyWave Mobile Communications to expand presence in the SLDR (Satellite Low Data Rate) market. SkyWave used the funds to acquire GlobalWave and double its size.[10] [11] The SLDR market is estimated at $600m and is expected to grow.[12] In December 2009, SkyWave launched a GLONASS-compatible product for the Russian market.[13] The DMR-800L with GLONASS/GPS can use either or both of the navigation systems to determine location.

In August 2011, SkyWave launched IsatData Pro, a low data rate service for managing and communicating with remote assets around the world.[14] The IsatData Pro delivers up to 10,000 bytes to the device and up to 6,400 bytes from the device. Applications include vehicle telemetry information, text-messaging remote workers, maintaining up-to-date driver logs, and the remote management and control of fixed assets.

In 2012, SkyWave introduced IP SCADA service to work with its IDP series terminals for remote sites. IP SCADA allows IP-based point-to-point satellite communication connections between small remote sites and SCADA systems where other communications are unavailable, unreliable, or expensive.[15]

In early January 2015, ORBCOMM completed its acquisition of SkyWave.[16]

Today, SkyWave is located in Ottawa’s technology district, west of the town of Kanata, Ontario and employs over 180 people. SkyWave has designed, manufactured and shipped more than 600,000 satellite terminals to customers in the transportation, maritime, oil and gas, heavy equipment, utilities and government sectors worldwide.[1]

Markets

SkyWave sells terminals to Solution Providers who put satellite communications products and services into industry-specific applications for their customers. The following are some of the main uses for this technology:

Transportation Applications:[1]

Mining Applications:

Maritime applications:[1]

Oil & Gas Applications:

Defence and Security Applications:

Utilities Applications:

Emergency Management

Products

The following are the satellite terminals manufactured by SkyWave Mobile Communications:

IsatData Pro

IDP 800 Series- The IDP 800 is a low profile terminal ideal for tracking trailers, containers, vehicles and vessels. It can be powered by non-rechargeable batteries, rechargeable batteries, or vehicle power.

IDP 700 Series- The IDP-780 terminal is equipped with both IsatData Pro satellite and cellular modems so it can use the lowest cost communication network depending on availability and quality of service.[27]

IDP600 Series- The IDP 600 Series terminals use the two-way Inmarsat IsatData Pro satellite service for remotely managing fixed and mobile assets anywhere in the world. Models include one for low-elevation and maritime applications as well as applications that require Class 1 Division 2 certification.

IDP100 Series- The IDP 100 Series modems are designed to be integrated into larger systems and use the two-way Inmarsat IsatData Pro satellite service.

IsatM2M

SureLinx 8100/8100c- A dual-mode satellite/GPRS transceiver that switches between cellular (GPRS) frequencies and IsatM2M satellite service when cellular service is not available. The SureLinx 8100c has an on-board computer designed specifically for vehicle telemetry applications.

DMR-800D[28] - A satellite-only transceiver with two-way communication capabilities and low-power mode that allows use in remote unmanned locations.

DMR-800L- This transceiver is designed with a low look angle to be used in harsh conditions and marine environments.

DMR-800 OEM- A DMR-800 transceiver that comes unpackaged, allowing for customization and addition of sensors according to application needs.

DMR-800D C1D2- A Class 1 Division 2 certified satellite transceiver that allows monitoring of assets, processes and environments in hazardous locations. The product includes a RS-485 serial interface for connection to SCADA devices, Modbus protocol interfaces for implementing reporting and telemetry capabilities of remote equipment and discrete input/output feeds for monitoring and control of local devices not using Modbus.

DMR-800LRIT[19] - The DMR-800LRIT is designed specifically for the strict LRIT standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: August 29, 2005 . SkyWave Mobile Communications establishes regional operations in Asia Pacific . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120222064109/http://www.gticapital.com/fr/news.php?id=8 . February 22, 2012 . GTI Capital.
  2. Web site: SkyWave Mobile Communications Inc. . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110607135225/http://www.hoovers.com/company/SkyWave_Mobile_Communications_Inc/ryffxxi-1.html . June 7, 2011 . D&B Hoovers.
  3. Web site: November 3, 2008 . SkyWave uses satellites to enable tracking and security solutions for hard-to-access assets, growing 40% year-over-year . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110906220810/http://www.creativeeconomycapital.com/home/2008/11/3/skywave-uses-satellites-to-enable-tracking-and-security-solu.html . September 6, 2011 . CreativeEconomyCapital.com.
  4. Web site: October 4, 2004 . Canada's SkyWave Tracks U.S. Customers . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20241107040914/https://www.satellitetoday.com/uncategorized/2004/10/04/canadas-skywave-tracks-u-s-customers/ . November 7, 2024 . November 7, 2024 . Via Satellite . Access Intelligence . en-US.
  5. Web site: August 31, 2004 . SkyWave Receives FCC License Extension to Expand Commercial Operations in the United States . dead . https://archive.today/20130926144615/http://web.archive.org/web/20100821102057/http://www.allbusiness.com/media-telecommunications/telecommunications/5208195-1.html#selection-2041.32-2041.43 . September 26, 2013 . . Dun & Bradstreet.
  6. “SkyWave reaches terminal velocity” Ottawa Citizen, October 20, 2004
  7. Web site: Garud . Sujata . July 8, 2011 . Lahtinen . John . SkyWave and Rivercross Provide Vehicle Tracking Services for Rhino Charge 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054221/http://satellite.tmcnet.com/topics/satellite/articles/194544-skywave-rivercross-provide-vehicle-tracking-services-rhino-charge.htm . March 4, 2016 . Satellite Spotlight . TMCnet.
  8. Web site: July 18, 2008 . GlobalTrack and SkyWave D+ Meet the Challenge for Dubai-Muscat Offshore Race Tracking . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120222064124/http://www.gticapital.com/fr/news.php?id=36 . February 22, 2012 . GTI Capital.
  9. “High-tech position help China Sea Race safety” Offshore Yachting, June–July, 2006.
  10. “SkyWave lands investment deal for satellite tracking” 'The Globe and Mail, April 1, 2009
  11. “Inmarsat COO: Investment in SkyWave Could Change Mobile M2M Market” Via Satellite's Mobile Satcom Extra, May 21, 2009
  12. “Inmarsat taking stake in tracker SkyWave” Hargreaves Lansdown, April 2, 2009
  13. Web site: December 7, 2009 . SkyWave Adds Glonass Capability to Maritime Terminals . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20241107030657/https://www.satellitetoday.com/connectivity/2009/12/07/skywave-adds-glonass-capability-to-maritime-terminals/ . November 7, 2024 . November 7, 2024 . Via Satellite . Access Intelligence.
  14. Web site: Huff . Aaron . August 4, 2011 . Inmarsat, SkyWave launch new high-speed satellite terminal . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240721201343/https://www.ccjdigital.com/business/article/14921701/inmarsat-skywave-launch-new-high-speed-satellite-terminal . July 21, 2024 . November 7, 2024 . Commercial Carrier Journal.
  15. Web site: 27 June 2012 . SkyWave Introduces IP SCADA for IsatData Pro . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160414163402/https://www.rogtecmagazine.com/skywave-introduces-ip-scada-for-isatdata-pro/ . April 14, 2016 . November 7, 2024 . Russian Oil & Gas Technologies.
  16. Web site: Park . Rochelle . January 5, 2015 . ORBCOMM Completes Acquisition of SkyWave . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160927181552/http://www.orbcomm.com/en/company-investors/news/2015/orbcomm-completes-acquisition-of-skywave . September 27, 2016 . October 17, 2016 . . New Jersey . Business Wire.
  17. Web site: Cowan . Jeremy . October 27, 2012 . QUAKE Global and SkyWave bring satellite M2M solutions to Russia's heavy equipment market . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160509074943/http://www.iot-now.com/2012/10/27/8263-quake-global-and-skywave-bring-satellite-m2m-solutions-to-russias-heavy-equipment-market/ . May 9, 2016 . November 7, 2024 . IoT Now . Business Wire.
  18. Web site: Real-time Monitoring of Environmental Conditions in Remote Mining Situations . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130312043020/http://www.skywave.com/styles/images/stories/casestudies/casestudy-milk-it_real-time_monitoring_environmental_conditions_in_mining.pdf . March 12, 2013 . SkyWave.
  19. Web site: March 5, 2009 . Cls Endorses Skywave Lrit Solution For European Lrit Compliance . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20241107041936/https://www.prlog.org/10193908-cls-endorses-skywave-lrit-solution-for-european-lrit-compliance.html . November 7, 2024 . November 7, 2024 . Ramonville Saint-Agne, FRANCE and Ottawa, CANADA . PRLog (Press Release Distribution).
  20. Web site: September 14, 2009 . SkyWave Mobile Introduces Two Inmarsat D+ Satellite Terminals For Improved Tracking, Monitoring and Control of Fixed and Mobile Assets . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080621204504/http://www.businesswire.com:80/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20040914005573&newsLang=en . June 21, 2008 . Business Wire.
  21. Web site: 2012 . VMS: Irish Ocean Protection . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121019080029/http://www.skywave.com/styles/images/stories/casestudies/casestudy-vms_irish_ocean_protection.pdf . October 19, 2012 . SkyWave . PDF.
  22. Web site: 2016 . Application Profile: Satellite Tracking for Leisure Marine Voyages . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063312/http://www.skywave.com/styles/images/stories/casestudies/application-profile_satellite_tracking_for_leisure_marine_voyages.pdf . March 4, 2016 . SkyWave.
  23. Web site: July 30, 2009 . Compressco Commissions Skymira to Implement Over Four Thousand Skywave Satellite Terminals . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110716191937/http://www.talksatellite.com/Americas-A831.htm . July 16, 2011 . November 5, 2009 . Talk Satellite.
  24. Web site: 2012 . Automation Helps Field Compression Firm Manage Assets Spread From Texas to Alaska . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121019075549/http://www.skywave.com/styles/images/stories/casestudies/casestudy-compressor_monitoring.pdf . October 19, 2012 . SkyWave.
  25. Web site: 2013 . Application Profile: Satellite Communications for Automated Meter Reading . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130312043359/http://www.skywave.com/styles/images/profiles/skywave_utilities_application_profile.pdf . March 12, 2013 . SkyWave . PDF.
  26. Web site: Heaton . Brian . April 30, 2013 . Sirens Remain Vital to Hawaii's Emergency Alert System . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130607010224/http://www.emergencymgmt.com/disaster/Hawaii-Retrofits-Emergency-Siren-Network.html . June 7, 2013 . May 2, 2013 . Emergency Management.
  27. Web site: May 8, 2012 . SkyWave introduces next generation integrated satellite-cellular M2M solution . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304100955/http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2012/05/skywave-introduces.html . March 4, 2016 . PennEnergy.
  28. Web site: DMR 800 Series . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140126223517/http://www.skywave.com/en/products/satellite-communication/dmr-800-series/ . January 26, 2014 . SkyWave.

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