Inmarsat launches 'next generation' of data communications satellite service

The service, Inmarsat Regional BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network), allows businesses, governments and users on the move to have access to up to 144kbit/s from virtually anywhere, and via a light satellite modem the size of a laptop computer.

Samer Halawi, regional director for Inmarsat Ltd said: "Together with its ease of mobility and user flexibility, Regional BGAN overcomes geographical and speed restrictions of current mobile data services. It is truly the first practical and successful implementation of GPRS services via satellite."

He added: "It is truly a Quantum Leap in the delivery of cost-effective, reliable, high-speed wireless data services via satellite which enables users to operate without the constraints of terrestrial networks."

Inmarsat Regional BGAN is based on GPRS technology. The service allows businesses and governments to have access in the satellite footprint to mobile broadband services where there are no reliable high-speed data networks available. It enables remote access to corporate networks, to the Internet, to email, to Virtual Private Networks and to file transfers. "With the launch of Inmarsat Regional BGAN the idea of the mobile office has become a reality, providing freedom and flexibility for the increasingly large number of businesses and individuals who are on the move" added Halawi.

The technology operates via a lightweight, A4 sized portable satellite IP modem, and uses standard interfaces for ease of use. Its key features include:

• Continuous coverage within the satellite footprint
• "Always on" access to IP-based networks, including the Internet and corporate data networks
• Value for money, with users being charged only for the amount of data sent and received rather than time spent online
• Secure 144kbit/s shared channel
• Bluetooth, UBS and Ethernet ports for easy connection to a computer

The launch of Regional BGAN is a precursor to Inmarsat's $1.6 billion investment programme that aims to develop the next generation of broadband data services, which includes the launch of two new satellites, the Inmarsat I-4s.

Halawi explained: "Regional BGAN represents the beginning of the global broadband era for Inmarsat. Inmarsat continues to invest and evolve its portfolio of services to meet the high-speed data needs of business today and tomorrow. While Regional BGAN represents the first evolution with the 144kbit/s IP connection, it paves the way to Inmarsat's future Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN), utilising the I-4 satellites to offer voice and data services at speeds up to 432kbit/s."

In the last few years we have seen a steady increase in data applications.

The Middle East and subcontinent market for mobile broadband data is estimated to be worth up to US $571 million by 2006 (with the overwhelming majority of this demand concentrated on bandwidth higher than 64 kbits, according to ADL and RS Consultancy - 2001). Halawi ended saying:" With Regional BGAN today, and BGAN in the future, Inmarsat continues to provide the total communications network for the world's businesses, and individuals alike."

Mohsen Malaki, the regional telecom consultant for IDC in Middle East, said: "Inmarsat's Regional BGAN solution is unique in that it provides the travelling corporate user with a reliable broadband connection in any of 99 countries. IDC believes that the target market for such a service would be the market of frequently travelling corporate executives and managers who require constant access to their corporate LAN, email, and the Internet. There are several advantages that BGAN offers this customer segment. First, the availability of alternative broadband technologies is still scarce in most of the region.

Second, even with the rollout of new technologies such as xDSL, Cable modem, or metro Ethernet, the mobility provided by Regional BGAN makes this service better meet the needs of the mobile executive. Finally, even with the deployment of GPRS, currently available in only a handful of MENA countries, and until international GPRS roaming is made available; Regional BGAN is likely to remain the only solution within this region that allows the end-user connectivity to the Internet and corporate LAN across borders."

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