Oct 2, 2017

NovAtel Service Bulletin

Page 1 of 2

TerraStar L-Band Frequency Changes Scheduled for Q1 2018
Background:TerraStar satellite based correction services deliver precise GNSS corrections to the end user
worldwide via L-Band beams from geostationary satellites. NovAtel GNSS receivers subscribedto TerraStar Correction Services access satellite clock and orbit corrections in these L-Bandbeams to compute real-time precise point positioning (PPP) solutions.
Issue Summary:
Inmarsat, the communications satellite provider used to deliver TerraStar correction data, hasprovided notice that all TerraStar L-Band beam frequencies will move from the current locationof 1539 MHz to 1545 MHz and higher in Q1 2018. The frequency change is required to avoid
any potential impact from future mobile satellite services (MSS) that will share the lower portionof the current L-Band spectrum. This L-Band frequency change will affect all TerraStar L-Bandbeams and will impact all NovAtel receivers that use TerraStar Correction Services.
Users with non-compatible firmware will lose TerraStar positioning capability once thefrequencies move to 1545 MHz. Note that the frequency change is expected to commencein February 2018.
The L-Band frequency change will not impact TerraStar positioning for users withcompatible firmware.
Products and Customers Affected:• All TerraStar Correction Service customers operating OEM6 or OEM7 receivers with
non-compatible firmware (see table below)
Mitigation:
NovAtel previously issued a service bulletin strongly urging customers to update their firmware
related to the L-Band tracking functionality:
https://www.novatel.com/assets/Documents/Bulletins/TerraStarLBandConfigurationBulletin.pdf
All NovAtel receivers capable of L-Band tracking (and with an active or planned TerraStarsubscription) must be updated to compatible firmware versions before the frequency change toensure continuous operation of TerraStar services during and after the transition.

NovAtel Inc.  1120 – 68th Avenue N.E. Calgary, AB, Canada T2E 8S5
Tel: (403) 295-4500  www.novatel.com  Email: support@novatel.com

NovAtel Service Bulletin

Oct 2, 2017

Page 2 of 2

Please refer to the table below for information on compatible firmware versions:Receivers

OEM6

OEM7

NovAtel ProductReceiver Board: OEM628
Enclosures: FlexPak6
Smart Antennas: SMART6-L
Receiver Board: OEM638
Enclosures: ProPak6
SPAN Receivers and Enclosures (L-bandcapable)
All ProductsCompatible
Firmware6.710 or later

6.606
6.631 or later
7.200 (7.02.00) orlaterOnce a compatible firmware version is loaded, the beam frequencies will be updated
seamlessly without impacting TerraStar positioning. While an active TerraStar subscription isnot required, L-Band configured receivers should track a TerraStar beam during the frequencychange period to update the beam frequencies on the receiver. Alternatively, TerraStar users
can manually assign the beam to the new frequency during or after the frequency change.
NovAtel is actively engaged with TerraStar and Inmarsat to finalize the schedule and transition
details. NovAtel will communicate updates over the following months to ensure customers are
well-informed and prepared for the L-Band frequency change.
For assistance and further information, please contact support@novatel.com

NovAtel Inc.  1120 – 68th Avenue N.E. Calgary, AB, Canada T2E 8S5
Tel: (403) 295-4500  www.novatel.com  Email: support@novatel.com