Region's mobile satellite services set to reach USD571 million in four years

Doha, Qatar
'Over 90% of this growth will come from high speed data; the ability of satellite operators to offer high speed mobile data satellite services is key to their success in this market,' says Inmarsat's regional director at Arabcom 2002

Doha 22nd April, 2002 - 'Over 90% of this growth will come from data; this means that the ability of satellite operators to offer high speed mobile data satellite services is key to their success in this market,' says Halawi.

Last year, high-speed data traffic showed a 348% growth. 'What this means really is that more mobile high speed data communication solutions are being used in this part of the world where fixed and mobile internet access and telecommunication services are either not fast enough, or not available,' explains Halawi. 'Although voice mobile communication services will continue to grow in the region, demand for high speed data bandwidth is exponential.'

Inmarsat, the global mobile satellite communications provider, owns and operates a network of satellites that cover 98% of the globe. 'While we have a strong history in voice mobile communications, our vision today is more towards providing the fastest and most universal mobile data services,' Halawi explains.

Inmarsat is currently in the process of building its 4th generation satellites that will deliver data at speeds up to 432kbit/s as well as voice communications, almost anywhere in the world via terminals the size of a notebook or palm top computer.

Halawi ended: 'The Middle East and subcontinent region is the first to benefit from Inmarsat's data strategy. As we see this part of the world to be a booming market. Until we launch our broadband global area network in 2004, the Middle East and subcontinent region will be the first in the world to have access to a 144kbit/s mobile packet data service, which we plan to launch towards the end of this year.'

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