Inmarsat, the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, has announced a range of enhancements to its R-BGAN service.
R-BGAN is the pioneering and award-winning1 data service, launched by Inmarsat in 2002, which offers connectivity at up to 144kbps across a secure shared channel. Initially branded as Regional BGAN, access to the service was confined to a coverage area of about 99 countries.
Following the successful migration of the service to the new Inmarsat-4 (I-4) satellite, one of the largest and most sophisticated satellites ever launched, R-BGAN can now be used in a significantly larger coverage area. From its position over the Indian Ocean Region, the I-4 satellite supports the R-BGAN service across Europe, the whole of Africa, the Middle East, most of Asia Pacific, and Western Australia. Approximately 40 countries have been added to the R-BGAN coverage area, allowing users to access the advanced mobile data solution for the first time, and extending the service footprint to a total of 150 countries. Current users simply need to download a software patch and change a polarity setting on the terminal to benefit from the enhancement.
The migration coincides with new pricing packages being offered by Inmarsat’s R-BGAN distributors2, which can provide significant reductions in data charges. R-BGAN is charged by the amount of data sent and received, and users can now access a range of different pricing structures – from monthly megabyte allowances, to more flexible options that spread usage over a preferred period. Users should contact their service provider for details on the pricing packages available.
“R-BGAN was a ground-breaking service,” said Michael Butler, Chief Operating Officer, Inmarsat. “When we launched the service, we took a lead in the satellite industry – introducing an IP service, charged only for the amount of data transferred, with compact and lightweight terminals. As other operators follow our lead, we’re now forging ahead again by increasing the coverage area available for the service, and bringing the costs down, making satellite communications a viable option for many users.”
Commenting on the impact of R-BGAN’s extended service and new pricing packages in the region, Samer Halawi, Regional Director, Inmarsat Middle East, Africa and Central Asia, said “Since its launch in the Middle East and Africa, R-BGAN has not only proven successful in penetrating the region, it has benefited our regional customers by offering them connectivity anywhere at anytime, especially for corporate executives and members of the media who tend to be on the move more frequently.” Halawi added, “So this comes as a significant development for the region because we can now serve our customers all the way to South Africa and Asia.” Prior to the new enhancements, R-BGAN covered most of Africa and the Middle East for the MEA region.
R-BGAN now becomes the first terminal in the Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) family of services. Due for launch by the end of 2005, other BGAN services will offer simultaneous voice and broadband data connectivity – at speeds of up to 492kbps, with guaranteed bandwidth available for both IP streaming and ISDN connections – to a range of small and lightweight terminals. BGAN will extend terrestrial networks and open up a broadband environment for many industry sectors.
R-BGAN has been used since 2002 in a wide variety of sectors – from the provision of e-learning facilities for schools in Lebanon, to the record-breaking tour of popstar Robbie Williams; from a flower growing operation in Ethiopia to a Prada photo shoot.
Inmarsat plc is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications. Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing reliable voice and high-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and other organisations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air. The company’s services are delivered through a world-class network of leading telecoms groups. For the year ended 31 December 2004, group revenue was $480.7 million, with operating profit of $159.1 million. More information can be found at www.inmarsat.com.
