Mobilkom gets GMPCS license; to provide Inmarsat services in Turkey

Mobilkom was awarded a GMPCS (Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite) license, one that allows the company to provide Inmarsat's voice and data satellite communication solutions in the Turkish and surrounding markets. As an Inmarsat Service Provider, Mobilkom will be able to market, sell and support the entire range of land, maritime and aeronautical Inmarsat satellite based communication systems. Inmarsat is a global leader in mobile satellite communications.

Samer Halawi, regional director for Inmarsat Ltd congratulated Mobilkom and commented: "The decision to award Mobilkom the GMPCS license marks the country's determination to develop its telecommunication sector, it demonstrates the government's modern vision of liberalization in the sector, and it illustrates its relentless efforts to quickly and efficiently empower social groups and industries in the country's most rural and mountainous areas."

Mehmet Darmar, the General Manger of Mobilkom, said: "Users in Turkey and neighbouring countries will benefit from Inmarsat's systems and the end to end connectivity solutions they enable. The immediate beneficiaries are vertical market segments such as the media, oil and gas, construction and banking, as well as the government and maritime sectors."

Mobilkom took its place in the fast growing satellite telecommunication service and solutions sector in 1996 and is currently providing solutions to Turkey, Romania, and since 1999 to the Turkish Republics of the former Soviet Union. Since its foundation, Mobilkom has developed strategic alliances with a number of leaders in the satellite communications industry. Mobilkom, with its trained personnel and extensive partnerships, is committed to providing the solutions of the 21st century to its customers today.

Halawi ends: "Turkey and its neighbouring countries have a strong need for mobile satellite communications. Where there is a lack of terrestrial infrastructure, or where setting up networks would be expensive, using Inmarsat's satellite technology is the ideal communication solution. Mobilkom will be able to offer reliable and cost effective high-speed data and voice connectivity, fax, and video-conferencing facilities anywhere in the surrounding countries. We are very pleased with this licensing agreement, and we are confident that the Turkish market will continue to move to the most up-to-date technology to serve the growing demand for mobile communication."