7th Aug 2007 07:01
Inmarsat PLC07 August 2007 INMARSAT CONFIRMS EARLY 2008 LAUNCH FOR THIRD INMARSAT-4 SATELLITE 7th August 2007 - Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT), the leading provider of global mobilesatellite communications, has signed a contract with International LaunchServices (ILS) that provides for a launch of the third Inmarsat-4 satellitebetween March-April 2008 on a Proton launch vehicle from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Inmarsat's option to launch the satellite on an Atlas launch vehicle in 2009 from Cape Canaveral, USA, remains in place and will now be regarded as a backupcapability. The Inmarsat-4 (I-4) satellites are among the largest and most sophisticatedcommercial communication satellites ever built, and are capable of deliveringadvanced voice and broadband data communications to mobile users. Three I-4 satellites were built for Inmarsat by EADS Astrium. The I-4 F1 waslaunched in March 2005, and has an orbital slot over the Indian Ocean at 64degrees East; while the I-4 F2 was launched in November 2005, and providescoverage for the Americas from an orbital slot at 154 degrees West. The I-4 F3 was a ground spare for the two launches in 2005, but its launch andorbital position will complete the I-4 constellation and support the globaldelivery of Inmarsat's latest services. Andrew Sukawaty, CEO and Chairman of Inmarsat, said: "Our agreement with ILS hasenabled us to accelerate our launch plans for the I-4 F3. The third satellitewill provide global coverage for our existing BGAN service and will benefit ournew broadband maritime and aeronautical services as well as our global satellitephone service. This will provide incremental opportunities for growth in ourmaritime and aeronautical markets". - ends - Forward-looking Statements Certain statements in this announcement constitute "forward-looking statements"within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factorsthat may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industryresults, to be materially different from those projected in the forward-lookingstatements. These factors include: general economic and business conditions;changes in technology; timing or delay in signing, commencement, implementationand performance of programmes, or the delivery of products or services underthem; structural change in the satellite industry; relationships with customers;competition; and ability to attract personnel. You are cautioned not to rely onthese forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of thisannouncement. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-lookingstatement to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events,conditions or circumstances. About Inmarsat Inmarsat plc (LSE: ISAT) is the leading provider of global mobile satellitecommunications. Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing reliable voice andhigh-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and otherorganisations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or inthe air. The company's services are delivered through a global network of morethan 500 distribution partners and service providers operating in 180 countries.For the year ended 31 December 2006, Inmarsat plc had total revenue of US$ 500.1million. More information can be found at www.inmarsat.com. For more information, please contact:John WarehandInmarsatTel: +44 20 7728 1579Mob: +44 7739 778 128Email: [email protected] This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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