Gilat Satcom has unveiled an extension to satellite phones which enable the devices to be used in underground mines without loss of signal.
The company said the offering – named SuricatePRO – is aimed in particular at African mines, where the reliable and cost-effective technology can be used for enabling high-quality communications with underground workers.
The offering is intended to replace traditional methods of communications in mines using coax cables which are damage prone and unreliable.
“Communicating with workers in underground mines has always been problematical. Our system is extremely reliable, cost-effective and market-proven. We are actively reaching out to mining companies in Africa where we know our system will be of great benefit,” Dan Zajicek, chief executive officer (CEO) of Gilat Satcom, said.
External and internal SuricatePRO units must be installed at the mine site, connected by fibre in order for the satellite phones to function, with the units to be positioned up to 6 kilometres apart.
The system relies on Foxcom’s radio over fibre (RF over fibre) technologies.
Gilat Satcom said the basic system has been solving communications within military bunkers worldwide for years, but has been adapted specifically for use in mines.
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