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INMARSAT: Inmarsat Broadband Goes GlobalFeb 26, 2009 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- Inmarsat, the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, today announced the completion of global coverage for its mobile broadband services. Following the launch of the third I-4 satellite in August 2008, and a successful satellite repositioning programme that ended on 24th February 2009, Inmarsat is now the only satellite operator to offer mobile broadband services on a global basis. The repositioning programme - which involved three generations of Inmarsat satellites, five satellite movements, and the associated transitioning of voice and data traffic between the repositioned satellites - was completed as planned and on schedule. The relocations were carefully orchestrated such that there was either no impact on services, such as Inmarsat's safety services, or a very limited period of interruption. "This is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to the world-leading expertise of our satellite control and network operations teams," said Perry Melton, Chief Operating Officer of Inmarsat. "We were established as a global operator, and the core of our service provision has always been seamless global coverage, so it is important for us to deliver our broadband services globally too. It reflects the requirements of our government, NGO and commercial users around the world, and underpins our commitment to those users." Inmarsat's award-winning mobile broadband services are BGAN, FleetBroadband and SwiftBroadband, for use on land, at sea and in the air, respectively. "Our users want the assurance that the services they adopt will be around for the long term," said Melton. "We now have the world's only fully-optimised, fully-funded, next-generation satellite network, delivering mobile broadband globally, with service into the 2020s". The first users to access Inmarsat's broadband services in the Pacific Ocean were the competitors in the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009 - currently heading south in the race's longest leg from Qingdao, China to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - who established connectivity in the early hours of 24th February. In Australia, experiencing countrywide satellite mobile broadband coverage for the first time, celebrations involved a unique HDTV link between Michael Butler, President of Inmarsat, and Andrew Cape, navigator onboard the PUMA entry, Il Mostro. Chris Nicholson, PUMA's injured watch captain and an Australian Olympic sailor, joined the event in Sydney to hear how his team mates are coping with conditions. Note to Editors - The repositioning programme was designed to enhance coverage and network efficiency. - The planning for the repositioning took 18 months, and involved co-ordinated efforts with several of Inmarsat's distribution partners, service providers and manufacturers. - The Inmarsat-4 satellites are now located in three new satellite regions: - I-4 Americas (98 degrees West) - I-4 EMEA (25 degrees East) - I-4 Asia-Pacific (143.5 degrees East). About Inmarsat Inmarsat plc (LSE: ISAT) is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications. Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing reliable voice and high-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and other organisations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air. The company's services are delivered through a global network of more than 500 distribution partners and service providers operating in 180 countries. For the half-year ended 30 June 2008, Inmarsat plc had total revenue of US$ 485.5 million. CONTACT: John Warehand, Inmarsat Tel: +44 (0)20 7728 1579 Tel: +44 (0)7739 778 128 e-mail: [email protected] WWW: http://www.inmarsat.com M2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to [email protected]. |