7th Dec 2005 09:06
Inmarsat PLC07 December 2005 7 December 2005 Inmarsat plc INMARSAT LAUNCHES BROADBAND GLOBAL AREA NETWORK (BGAN) Industry leader introduces the first mobile communications service to providevoice and broadband data simultaneously through a truly portable device on aglobal basis Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT), the leading provider of global mobile satellitecommunications, has announced the successful launch of its Broadband Global AreaNetwork (BGAN) service. Six years in development, BGAN is the world's firstmobile communications service to provide both voice and broadband datasimultaneously through a truly portable device on a global basis. It is also thefirst to offer guaranteed IP data rates on demand. Delivered via the Inmarsat-4s - the world's most advanced commercialcommunications satellites - the service is initially available across Europe,Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Following the successful launch of Inmarsat'ssecond I-4 satellite on 8th November, network coverage will be extended to Northand South America during Q2 2006. The two I-4 satellites will deliver seamlessbroadband coverage across 85 per cent of the world's land mass and be availableto 98 per cent of the world's population. "BGAN delivers broadband where other networks can't," said Michael Butler, ChiefOperating Officer, Inmarsat. "It enables anyone to set up a broadband mobileoffice in minutes and remain fully productive - wherever they are on theplanet." BGAN offers IP data speeds of up to 492kbps, with the option of guaranteed datarates up to 256kbps. The service is designed for mobile users who wantdependable, secure broadband access when working in locations with an unreliableor non-existent telecoms infrastructure. BGAN enables users to access their corporate network via a secure VPNconnection, use email and other office applications, browse the internet, sendlarge file attachments, stream video or audio - and make a phone call at thesame time. It also supports a range of encryption standards for securecommunications. The service is accessed through a range of lightweight satellite terminals - thesmallest is about half the size of a laptop. BGAN terminals can be connected inminutes using wired or wireless connections, including Bluetooth and WLAN802.11b. BGAN can be used by single users or small teams wherever and wheneverreliable voice and broadband data communications are needed. "Once again, through Inmarsat's ongoing commitment to innovation, we haveestablished a new benchmark for our industry," said Butler. "Today's launchmarks a key milestone in our vision to deliver broadband for a mobile planet". For more information, please contact: John WarehandPR ManagerInmarsatTel: +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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