Communications network Inmarsat announced the commercial availability of the world's first communication service that doubles current mobile data rates, breaks current mobile communication geographical constraints, and brings flexible and cost efficient broadband access to 99 countries in the Middle East, Europe, Northern and Central Africa and the Indian Subcontinent.
The service, Inmarsat Regional Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN), 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.
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.
The launch of Regional BGAN is a precursor to Inmarsat's $1.6 billion investment program that aims to develop the next generation of broadband data services, which includes the launch of two new satellites, the Inmarsat I-4s.
The Middle East and subcontinent market for mobile broadband data is estimated to be worth up to $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.
Inmarsat owns and operates a global mobile satellite network and delivers its communications solutions through a worldwide network of approximately 260 distributors and other service providers operating in over 80 countries to end users in the maritime, land and aeronautical sectors.
Inmarsat has a portfolio of mobile satellite solutions, including voice, fax, intranet and Internet access and other data services. At the end of June 2002, approximately 250,000 terminals were registered to access Inmarsat services. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
