Inmarsat and Axiom Telecom sign exclusive agreement for global satellite phone distribution

The agreement forms a core component of Inmarsat's go-to-market strategy for its new handheld satellite phones, which will be available through Inmarsat's distribution partners. Axiom Telecom will support the Inmarsat channel as the exclusive logistics and repair partner for Inmarsat's new voice services - stocking products, fulfilling orders, and providing maintenance services for the suite of handheld, fixed and maritime terminals and related peripherals.

Inmarsat will launch the new voice services from early Q3 2007. Initially available for service coverage across the Middle East, Asia and Africa, the satellite phones will undergo an extensive development programme before a global roll-out of the service at the end of 2008.

"As a respected partner of leading international mobile brands, and a founding member of the Braxda alliance, Axiom Telecom will bring world class capabilities and experience to the distribution of our new satellite phones," said Michael Butler, President and COO of Inmarsat. "Their logistics services will offer valuable support to our distribution partners, enabling our channel to focus their resources on sales, customer support and service innovation, and provide the solid platform from which we launch and establish our satellite phones in the global market."

"This is exciting news for our customers in the Middle East and the rest of the world as it will give them access to world class hand held products supplemented by high quality after-sales service," said Samer Halawi, Vice President, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific of Inmarsat.

"The agreement is a milestone for Inmarsat as it represents the first exclusive collaboration of its kind for Inmarsat on a global level and with a Middle East based company, which demonstrates Inmarsat's commitment to the region and belief in the regional companies on the global landscape."

Faisal Al Bannai, CEO of Axiom Telecom, said: "Axiom Telecom and Inmarsat share a common vision for delivering quality services to customers around the world. Our experience of delivering critical logistics services to global mobile communications companies, together with Inmarsat's unrivalled heritage in satellite communications, will be a compelling proposition for anyone who needs reliable voice telephony beyond the reach of terrestrial networks."