Ask MedTech-IQ? ... Is INMARSAT an Enabler of Telemedicine in Africa?

[CC-Conrad Clyburn-MedForeSight]

Colleagues,

Inmarsat satellite telephone in use after a natural disaster

I am trying to determine if there is value in using INMARSAT (International Maritime Satellite) telecommunications to support telemedicine in Africa.

INMARSAT provides telephony and data services to users worldwide, via portable or mobile terminals which communicate to ground stations through 12 geosynchronous telecommunications satellites. The INMARSAT network has provided reliable communications services to a range of governments, aid agencies, media outlets and businesses with a need to communicate in remote regions or where there is no reliable terrestrial network. Services include traditional voice calls, low-level data tracking systems, and high-speed, broadband internet and other data services. The cost of Inmarsat services have dropped significantly in recent years, and the portable transmission units can now be as small as a notebook computer.

The answers I seek are:

1. Is anyone currently using INMARSAT for telemedicine in Africa today? Who? Where?

2. Is INMARSAT a feasible mechanism to extend access to healthcare expertise in remote and medically underserved regions of Africa?


Thank you in advance.

CC

[Edward Kensinger]

CC,
As you know, INMARSAT terminals have been used in a variety of locations around the world to support both disaster response as well as telemedicine applications. In the past the limiting factor of INMARSAT has been the data throughput capacity now however this is a thing of the past in that the new (Broadband Global Area Network) BGAN terminals are available with throughput up to 492kps. This throughput will allow for the transfer of large file sizes, such as diagnostic images or high quality video teleconferencing. The drawback to the INMARSAT terminals has been the cost associated with this service, which as you mentioned is continuing to fall but is still a significant factor. With the availability of cellular technology such as the 3Gs network with download speeds in the range of 1202kbs and upload speeds in the range of 200kps, I would ask if these technologies may be more suited to enable telemedicine applications? The obvious limitation being that you have to be within the range of a cellular tower.
Ed

[CC-Conrad Clyburn-MedForeSight]

Ed,

Thank you for the response.

As you note, technical/bandwidth limitations may no longer be an obstacle. Cost is still an issue, but less than in the recent past.

I will look forward to see if one of the MedTech-IQ members in Africa has some insight on the INMARSAT issue. Again, thank you for the perspectvie.

CC

[Edward Kensinger]

CC,
Looking at the availability of evolving cellular and WIMAX technologies, I am sure that the connectivity issue will end up being a blended strategy. With 3G, 3Gs, and 4G cellular and the 802.16 wireless radios on the linked to a satellite terminal, a robust communications backbone can be established in almost any terrain. The telemedicine side of this is to make the communications component invisible to the caregiver. Their focus, as you know, needs to be on treating the patients with the additional tool of being able to consult with clinical experts remotely to serve these medically underserved areas.
I look forward to your comments as well as those with more knowledge of Africa.
Ed

[CC-Conrad Clyburn-MedForeSight]

CC, FYI.

Jill

-----Original Message-----
From: Gordon Comstock
Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 8:54 AM
To: 'Shawn Dell'; 'Kyle Duarte'; 'Ben Escobar'; 'Dhiraj Jain'; 'Mark Leinhaas'; 'Duncan Edwards'
Cc: 'Jill Sorensen'
Subject: RE: FW: Please see "Ask MedTech-IQ? ... Is INMARSAT an Enabler of Telemedicine in Africa?" on MedTech-IQ

Thanks Shawn, this is very helpful. -Gordon

-----Original Message-----
From: Shawn Dell
Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 7:36 AM
To: Kyle Duarte; Ben Escobar; Dhiraj Jain; Gordon Comstock; Mark Leinhaas; Duncan Edwards
Cc: 'Jill Sorensen'
Subject: Re: FW: Please see "Ask MedTech-IQ? ... Is INMARSAT an Enabler of Telemedicine in Africa?" on MedTech-IQ

I have some experience with satellite telephones; I used one in Iraq rather often in 2004. I think it was a Thurya, but is basically the same type of instrument. It was a voice device only.

As far as the questions posed in the posting, if they are looking for a fixed location to get connectivity, INMARSAT if likely not the best/least costly solution. Fixed satellite systems, as we in SCMS have been discussing, are a better choice. INMARSAT systems really are more for mobility access as opposed to a fixed location.

If the intent is a mobile access point, INMARSAT should be as good as another provider, but the availability of wireless broadband, via cell providers may be another option if the service is in the area in question.

I hope that helps...

Shawn P. Dell
MIS Unit Manager
Supply Chain Management System (SCMS)

Providing Quality Medicines for People
Living with and Affected by HIV and AIDS

>>> "Gordon Comstock" 9/29/2009 07:04 PM >>>
Hi all, do any of you have any insights regarding Inmarsat and telemedicine in Africa? -Gordon


-----Original Message-----
From: Jill Sorensen
To: gcomstock
Sent: Tue, Sep 29, 2009 6:48 am
Subject: FW: Please see "Ask MedTech-IQ? ... Is INMARSAT an Enabler of Telemedicine in Africa?" on MedTech-IQ

Hi, Gordon. Hi, Gerry.

Have either of you ever heard of Inmarsat? See Conrad Clyburn’s posting below about telemedicine in Africa. CC worked out at Ft. Detrick for many years and now is consulting independently.

Jill



Jill A. T. Sorensen
Bilyan, LLC

[Edward Kensinger]

Good commentary on this subject.
I agree that the INMARSAT solution is a more viable mobile solution and for ease of use, INMARSAT is great. When you start looking at other satellite solutions you enter into an area where the need for technical expertise is absolute. Ultimately the communications solution will be dependent on the type of facility you will be using this at i.e. a fixed clinic or a mobile medical team involved in MEDCAP missions. This more than any other consideration will dictate the communications solution required to meet the logistic realities as well as the medical requirements to provide telemedicine connectivity.
Ed