SWE-DISH® Satellite Systems AB, in collaboration with Ericsson, has developed and designed a mobile base station for satellite telephony in the GSM network. This innovative new product includes all the technology necessary to establish telecommunications capability quickly and easily in remote, difficult-to-access areas or where existing telephone networks have been knocked out by natural disasters or destroyed in war zones.

The new station combines renowned SWE-DISH satellite communications technology, for carrying voice, data and images via satellite, with Ericsson's tried and tested base station technology for GSM network telephony. The satellite equipment and base station have been combined in a specially designed trailer, resulting in a convenient, highly mobile base station with satellite link. The trailer also includes batteries and a diesel-powered generator to ensure autonomous operation without external electrical power.

The new mobile radio base station "MOBILE SATELLITE RBS" is equipped to connect telephone, data or fax communications to and from a fixed satellite hub station, extending the boundaries of a larger established GSM network. The basic model has the capacity to carry 84 simultaneous calls, which is sufficient to service about a thousand telephone subscribers. An alternative design, including a switchboard unit, is also available to function as a stand alone mini telephone exchange with its own identity.

"We have seen a growing demand for a concept of this kind," says Ulf Lindblom, sales manager at SWE-DISH. He sells the company's satellite communications technology to customers around the world and has received considerable positive feedback from a large potential market.

The trailer based Mobile Satellite RBS is very flexible and can be pulled by most jeeps and light SUVs. The station is designed for use by both civil and military customers for a number of different applications:

· To provide reliable and flexible communications independent of the local infrastructure.
· To replace existing, but disabled, telephone connections in case of natural disasters.
· At large events, exhibitions or fairs where existing telecom capacity will require significant extension to avoid overloading and poor service.
· For military exercises where temporary telecom capacity must be established fast or be expanded.
· In difficult-to-access areas and war zones where telephone communications have been knocked out or where existing telephone lines are faulty.

To satisfy these various application areas, the Mobile Satellite RBS is designed in accordance with global standards for GSM networks in the 900/1800/1900 MHz bands.

It has automatic sub-systems to facilitate installation, operation and maintenance. Integral hydraulics erect the 16-meter high GSM mast into operating position. The satellite antenna on the roof automatically aligns with the selected satellite and frequency band. This unique combination means that the station has quick roll-out and set-up times and low transportation and operation costs. It can also easily be upgraded for adaptation to current and future telephone systems, such as GPRS, UMTS (3G) and CDMA.

A radio base station and satellite equipment with similar functionality and performance has been in operation for several months in Kabul, Afghanistan. The system was supplied by Ericsson Response, SWE-DISH and Telia Mobile, for use by the UN's World Food Program in a land torn apart by war and earthquakes.


The Company in Brief:
SWE-DISH Satellite Systems (previously Swe Dish Wahlberg & Selin) is a world-leading supplier of mobile satellite communications equipment and related services for broadband applications. The company supplies major broadcasters, the armed forces and disaster relief organisations amongst others, with compact and quick-to-air satellite terminals for live transmission of video, data, internet and voice content from anywhere in the world.

For more information, please contact:

Ulf Lindblom
Sales Manager Defense & Telecom
Tel. +46 (0)8 587 950 60
Fax +46 (0)8 587 950 05
Mob. +46 (0)708 597 790
E-mail: ulf.lindblom@swe-dish.se

Elisabeth Roos
Marketing Director
SWE-DISH Satellite Systems AB
Tel. +46 (0)8 587 950 62
Fax +46 (0)8 587 950 05
Mob. +46-(0)708 597 744
E-mail: elisabeth.roos@swe-dish.se

Or visit www.swe-dish.com