Cobham SATCOM
Explorer 510 BGAN Terminal
Best portable satellite solution for remote professionals needing reliable global connectivity.
The Cobham EXPLORER 510 BGAN Terminal is your ultra-portable, global satellite communication solution, designed for rapid deployment anywhere. It provides reliable, high-quality broadband internet and voice services through the Inmarsat network, excluding the poles. This compact and lightweight terminal transforms your smartphone or tablet into a powerful communication hub via an app-based wireless setup. Ideal for standalone use or as a complement to other EXPLORER systems, it ensures you stay connected for voice, email, and streaming data, wherever your work takes you.
$149.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
3
/ 184
#3 in Modems
Price vs Category Average
-72%
Below average
Data Speed
464
/ Up to kbps
Who it's for
- Field researchers needing lightweight, highly portable connectivity gear
- Mobile teams requiring seamless wireless access for multiple devices
- Remote professionals needing reliable data for critical business communications
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious users seeking affordable communication alternatives
- Content creators requiring high-speed bandwidth for large file transfers
- Users operating in dense urban or heavily forested environments
Performance breakdown
Portability
Compact enough to fit in a backpack for rapid field deployment.
Setup Simplicity
App-based interface makes connecting mobile devices intuitive and remarkably fast.
Data Throughput
Sufficient for email and light browsing but limited for heavy streaming.
Network Versatility
Reliable Inmarsat coverage keeps you connected almost anywhere on the globe.
Build Durability
Rugged construction designed to withstand the rigors of remote field work.
Connectivity Options
USB host and optional LTE dongle support add useful local flexibility.
Key Specs
Data Speed
Up to 464 kbps
Dimensions
8 x 7.8 x 1.6 inches (203.2 x 198.12 x 40.64 mm)
Weight
3 lbs (1360.78 g)
Connectivity
USB host (for wired connections)
Network
Inmarsat Global Network (excluding poles)
Voice Calling
Supported
Data Connectivity
Supported
Built-in router functionality
True
Features
- Ultra-portable and lightweight design
- User-friendly app-based wireless setup
- Transforms smartphones/tablets into comms tools
- Supports wired connections via USB host
- Optional LTE dongle for local cell savings
- Global connectivity via Inmarsat network
- Supports voice, email, and streaming data
- Compact, high-end terminal
What customers say
The Explorer 510 BGAN Terminal earns high praise primarily for its exceptional portability and unwavering reliability. Users value the compact, lightweight design, which is ideal for field operations requiring guaranteed connectivity in remote areas. The core strength is its dependable performance, delivering fast, stable satellite connections crucial for minimizing downtime during critical tasks. Furthermore, the integration with the Cobham app simplifies setup significantly, enhancing usability. While the initial cost is high, professionals consistently find the robust build quality and essential global connectivity justify the investment. This terminal is regarded as a top tier, indispensable communication tool.
Know before you buy
The terminal supports data speeds of up to 464 kbps. This is sufficient for email, web browsing, and standard voice calls, though it is not intended for high-bandwidth activities like HD video streaming.
It provides global connectivity via the Inmarsat network, but it does not provide coverage at the Earth's poles. You will need to be in a region covered by Inmarsat satellites to maintain a connection.
Yes. The terminal uses an app-based setup that allows you to connect your smartphone or tablet to the device, effectively turning your mobile device into a satellite phone for voice calls and messaging.
The USB 2.0 port allows for wired connections to the terminal. Additionally, it supports an optional LTE dongle, which lets you prioritize local cellular networks when available to save on satellite data costs.
The EXPLORER 510 is designed for rapid deployment. It features a user-friendly, app-based wireless setup that guides you through the process, making it accessible even if you are not a satellite communications expert.
It is highly portable, measuring approximately 8 x 8 x 1.6 inches and weighing about 3 pounds. Its compact, lightweight form factor makes it easy to pack in a standard backpack or equipment bag.
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