Globecomm uses wireless, satellite to solve complex network challenges

Globecomm Systems Inc. (GCOM) has found a niche in the wireless space by solving complex communications problems using wireless and satellite technologies. The Hauppauge, N.Y.-based company was a finalist in the RCR 4G Ecosystem Awards announced last month.
The company specializes in deploying advanced generation networks in areas with small population densities and geographic challenges, said Stephen C. Yablonski, SVP and CTO at the firm. As such, the company has deployed networks for a diverse set of clients, including commercial operators, militaries, vertical businesses like for oil companies and railway operators, as well as media companies like Sirius Radio.
In Afghanistan, Globecomm’s initial contract with the Afghani government has led to other contracts, including network wins for NATO and the U.S. military. “The first contract was for the government to connect a bunch of government offices throughout the country. Typical for us, the RFP was written in terms of a legacy network,” Yablonski said. Instead of using a lot of switches, Globecomm went in with an IP-based network. Later the company deployed networks for smaller government offices, eventually dealing with the communications authority in the nation to build out the telephone company. Since then, Globecomm has worked with NATO and the U.S. military to deploy a hosted radio network to manage cellular services at various bases in the country, as well as a force tracking system for NATO that identifies people and equipment as friend or foe.
Back in the States, Globecomm deployed a wireline replacement system for GCI Wireless that uses GSM and CDMA technologies and meets universal service funding requirements, Yablonski noted. “If you cut off local base station in region, they don’t lose service.”
That same technology can help large wireless operators with holes in their network in hard-to-reach areas by overlaying Globecomm’s managed network service to get service to the area while maintaining the look and feel of the operator’s network. “The satellite component gives us an umbrella, so no matter where you want to place a cell, we can support it tomorrow. Using our hosted system, we can probably deploy it in three days.”