MAXI-SAT, a mobile communication unit, has been deployed at remote mines such as Palladin, Signet, Fluor, Senet and engineering company Group 5 for fast and reliable Internet and e-mail access. This standard 20ft container functions as a complete data centre, using satellite technology for connectivity.
Mines in remote locations are usually cut off from infrastructure and services, making mission-critical communications extremely challenging. Even if mobile services are available, the ability to send data is often limited, which means e-mail and Internet access is slow and unreliable, potentially delaying project timelines.
MAXI-SAT, a joint venture between Maxwell and Barnstone, is an innovative solution enabling organisations to establish communications in the remotest parts of the world.
The unit is supported with clean power, UPS capability, air conditioning, a lightning arrestor and is dustproof, making it ideal for any construction site or remote area that has limited or no access to infrastructure.
According to Marius von Wielligh, director at Maxwell, MAXI-SAT has been used by construction companies developing new mines, as well as by NGOs operating in inaccessible parts of Africa. It has been deployed in South Africa, Botswana, Malawi, Somalia, Tanzania, DRC, Central Africa Republic and Chad. There has been significant interest from South America and opportunities exist in Saudi Arabia.
“These days construction companies working on new mine sites are heavily reliant on communication technology,” he says. “They often need to send large engineering drawings and require sufficient bandwidth to do this. If communication infrastructure does exist, bandwidth is usually limited.”
Thanks to satellite technology, the MAXI-SAT unit offers an abundance of bandwidth, meaning fast connections and uptime usually in excess of 99.7%. Services include telephony, fax, e-mail, Internet and networking. The solution is scalable and can support up to 200 users. Technical support is offered remotely via Barnstone's call centre in South Africa, and when needed, technicians travel to the site to resolve problems.
A MAXI-SAT container can be transported by standard methods and is easily deployable. A unit can be freighted within two weeks of an order, and once it arrives on site, it only takes up to four days to be operational. While most transport happens via road and freight, MAXI-SAT is also suited to a helicopter drop if required.
According to Pierre Tredoux, director of Barnstone, this is one of the most promising products in its investment portfolio. And Tredoux is wired to spot a good opportunity when he sees it. “There are also strong synergies with Barnstone's other operations, so a joint venture for this product makes sound business sense,” he says. Barnstone also provides enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions to companies in the mining sector.
“We are extremely optimistic about MAXI-SAT's potential,” says Tredoux. “The product is innovative and robust, and the right team is in place within Maxwell to make it happen.”
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