Inmarsat announces launch of BGAN service

Inmarsat has announced the successful launch of its Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN). The company unveiled the new service to the world in a joint press briefing with representatives of its Distribution Partners and manufacturers at its London HQ on December 7.

Six years in development, BGAN is the world's first mobile communications service to provide both voice and broadband data simultaneously through a truly portable device on a global basis. It is also the first to offer guaranteed IP data rates on demand.

Delivered via the Inmarsat-4 satellites - the world's most advanced commercial communications spacecraft - the service is initially available across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Following the successful launch of Inmarsat's second I-4 satellite on November 8, network coverage will be extended to North and South America from Q2, 2006.

The two I-4 satellites will deliver seamless broadband coverage across 85 per cent of the world's landmass and be available to 98 per cent of the world's population.

"BGAN delivers broadband where other networks can't," said Michael Butler, Inmarsat's chief operating officer. "It enables anyone to set up a broadband mobile office in minutes and remain fully productive - wherever they are on the planet."

BGAN offers IP data speeds of up to 492kbps, with the option of guaranteed data rates up to 256kbps. The service is designed for mobile users who want dependable, secure broadband access when working in locations with an unreliable or non-existent telecoms infrastructure.

BGAN enables users to access their corporate network via a secure VPN connection, use e-mail and other office applications, browse the Internet, send large file attachments, stream video or audio - and make a phone call at the same time. It also supports a range of encryption standards for secure communications.

The service is accessed through a range of lightweight satellite terminals - the smallest is about half the size of a laptop. BGAN terminals can be connected in minutes using wired or wireless connections, including Bluetooth and WLAN 802.11b.

BGAN can be used by single users or small teams wherever and whenever reliable voice and broadband data communications are needed.

"Once again, through Inmarsat's ongoing commitment to innovation, we have established a new benchmark for our industry," said Michael Butler.

"Today's launch marks a key milestone in our vision to deliver broadband for a mobile planet."

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