New global handheld phone prepares for launch in June. The first images of IsatPhone Pro have been released to coincide with the announcement of the first call to be made using the new global handheld phone. IsatPhone Pro, which will be launched in June, will offer satellite telephony - with Bluetooth for hands-free use - as well as voicemail, text and email messaging. Location data will also be available to the user to look up or send in a text message. “The first call is a significant milestone, and we’re pleased with the voice quality in initial tests,” said Helen Stalker, commercial director of Global Satellite Phone Services at Inmarsat. Robust handset “IsatPhone Pro is the ultimate combination. It’s a robust handset that’ s easy to use, has long battery life, and offers a reliable global network connection. “And it’s provided by Inmarsat, the market leader, with 30 years’ experience in providing global mobile satellite services.” Isatphone Pro has successfully passed a number of key milestones ahead of its launch in June. Ground network The upgrade of Inmarsat’s ground network has been completed by Lockheed Martin, and further testing on the integration between the handset and the ground network continues as planned. The handset itself has been developed by Sasken Communications Technologies, which has led similar programmes for most of the world’s top mobile phone operators. Production of IsatPhone Pro is being undertaken by Elcoteq, the world’s third largest manufacturer of mobile phones, at its facility in Tallinn, Estonia. Isatphone Pro is targeted initially at professional users in the government, media, aid, oil and gas, mining and construction sectors. For more information about the IsatPhone Pro, visit our website at www.issi-us.net or call toll free 888-511-3403 and speak with one of our sales associates.

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There is now a firmware upgrade available for the Thrane & Thrane Sailor 250 and Sailor 500 FleetBroadband terminals.

Inmarsat strongly advises all end-users to upgrade to this new version to ensure continued good service in the I-4 Asia-Pacific region.

Although users in other regions are not affected, Inmarsat recommends that users in the I-4 Americas and I-4 EMEA regions download and install the firmware upgrade.

New features offered by the upgrade include:

The AT command set has also been updated, as well as a number of other unique features. There are also a number of bug fixes incorporated, and as such Inmarsat strongly recommends installation of this upgrade.

Entry-level broadband arrives for armada of smaller vessels

Large vessel connectivity comes to an armada of small leisure, fishing and merchant vessels with the launch of Inmarsat’s new entry-level FleetBroadband 150 service.

The new service, inaugurated in Miami, Florida, on 11 May, makes broadband communications even more accessible - delivering voice and IP data, plus SMS, up to 150kbps as standard.

Low-cost and with a competitive airtime package, the service supports a new range of FB150 terminals designed for smaller fishing, coastal merchant and leisure vessels with relatively low data requirements.

Weather reportsInmarsat’s maritime market manager Kyle Hurst said: “For smaller leisure vessels, FleetBroadband 150 is ideal for checking weather reports, email and for keeping in touch with the office or home.

“With fishing vessels, it will help them keep a competitive edge by knowing where the fish are and getting them to market at the best price. There are also new regulatory requirements on catch reporting that FleetBroadband 150 will help them meet.”

The new service was launched to customers, distribution partners and the media on a cruise around Biscayne Bay off Miami.

Challenging conditions

Sig Hansen, captain of one of the fishing vessels featured in the Discovery Channel documentary series Deadliest Catch, and Rick Deppe, a media crew member from the Volvo Ocean Race, currently stopping over in Boston, gave their insights into using FleetBroadband in some of the most challenging conditions at sea.

Inmarsat’s head of maritime business, Piers Cunningham, said: “The FB150 is not big, but it is clever. It is the world’s smallest, lightest and fastest satellite broadband terminal.”

FB150 terminals from Thrane & Thrane and Addvalue are expected to be available from mid June.

Are you prepared for the upcoming Hurricane Season?

With less than 5 weeks remaining until hurricane season, now is the time to assess your satellite communications needs.  International Satellite Services, Inc has prepared for this hurricane season by stocking a large inventory of both the Iridium 9505A and the NEW Iridium 9555 Handheld Satellite Phones.   Both of these terminals provide global services, allowing users to send and receive voice and data transmissions, regardless of location AND during emergency situations when terrestrial connectivity is not possible.   Please contact us now for special pricing.

Are you interested in a portable high speed data and simultaneous voice solution?  The Wideye Sabre 1 BGAN Terminal by ISS is the perfect solution for browsing the web, sending/receiving emails and simultaneously making voice calls… all in one terminal.  The Wideye is equipped with a range of common interfaces, providing connectivity options in the field and the swiveled antenna facilitates rapid and easy pointing for a satellite connection. Combined with its sub-laptop size, the terminal is ideal for single users in an emergency situation who need to set up a complete mobile office in frequently changing locations.

Contact us NOW at toll free 888.511.3403 or browse the website for our entire portfolio of Satellite Communications products and services. 

Inmarsat has created this new video - "Backpack to broadband in 3 minutes" - which illustrates how quick and easy it is to set up and use BGAN for voice calls, email, web browsing and videoconferencing applications.

The documentary-style film has been produced in English and dubbed into seven additional languages.

The arrival of global coverage for Inmarsat's pioneering FleetBroadband maritime communication service was celebrated over a live video-call link from the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Inmarsat president Michael Butler in Sydney, Australia, spoke face to face with Andrew Cape, navigator for the Volvo Ocean Race yacht Il Mostro, as it sped for Cape Horn on the fifth leg of the Inmarsat-sponsored round-the-world race.

The video-call, made via FleetBroadband, marked the inauguration of Inmarsat's new I-4 Asia-Pacific coverage region, which became operational at 20:00 UTC on 24 February.

Media event
Michael spoke with Andrew Cape during a special media event staged by TC Communications, an Inmarsat service provider based in New South Wales.

Michael said: “This is an important milestone for Inmarsat, not just in its provision of mobile broadband services in Australia and across the whole of Asia Pacific, but in the services it delivers globally.

“We were established as a global operator, and seamless global coverage has always been at the core of our service provision.

Commitment
“It reflects the requirements of the many different government and commercial sectors that we support, and underpins our commitment to those users,” he said.

Global coverage for FleetBroadband follows the successful conclusion of Inmarsat's I-4 satellite repositioning program, which has resulted in the creation of three new I-4 coverage regions:

I-4 Americas – from 98 degrees West, covering the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans
I-4 EMEA – from 25 degrees East, covering the Atlantic and Indian Oceans
I-4 Asia-Pacific – from 143.5 degrees East, covering the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

FleetBroadband users in Asia-Pacific will find their terminal automatically locks on to the new satellite, and they need take no additional action. However, some terminals may require software or upgrades or other user action. End-users should contact their equipment supplier if unsure.

Contact us NOW at toll free 888.511.3403 or visit us on the web for information on our entire portfolio of Satellite Communications products and services. 

BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Iridium Satellite LLC announces that it is re-launching its popular "Trade-Up to Iridium" program, which provides pricing incentives for customers trading up from Globalstar to Iridium handsets and service. Iridium is re-initiating the program due to the much-publicized degradation of Globalstar's voice service. This follows the success of the initial Trade-Up to Iridium offer, which ran from January to September 2008, and responds to continued demand from Service Providers and customers.

"Iridium's goal is to ensure that satellite phone users have access to consistently reliable global satellite communications services," said Don Thoma, executive vice president, Marketing, Iridium. "Our network is now recognized to be the only satellite communications service that dependably provides a critical communications lifeline everywhere."

Effective February 20 to September 30, 2009, any Globalstar satellite phone user is eligible to trade in his or her handset for an Iridium satellite phone. The original program, which Iridium offered to government users, first responders, educational institutions and relief organizations, is now open to any end user from any market sector due to wide interest from non-public sector customers.

Through the Trade-Up to Iridium program, participating Iridium Service Providers based in North America will offer a credit of up to $400 on a new Iridium 9505A satellite phone to customers turning in an existing Globalstar handset. Participating Service Providers will also offer up to $300 in airtime credits when signing a customer for a qualified Iridium calling plan.
Participating Service Providers outside of North America will be able to offer similar incentives available through regional Trade-Up to Iridium programs. 

"Iridium users have satellite phones because they often live, work and play in areas that lack adequate ground communications infrastructure," said Thoma. "Many are public safety and service organizations that rely on satellite links for mission-critical communications when disasters strike, and many large organizations have integrated Iridium into their business operations and emergency response plans. This is an excellent opportunity to trade-up to Iridium if your satellite phone must serve as a reliable, critical lifeline."

The Repositioning Summary

ISS is pleased to announce that the I-4 EMEA satellite (25E) is now successfully in commercial service covering Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Service has been restored for BGAN, FleetBroadband and SwiftBroadband users that were affected by the Atlantic region outage. Inmarsat Satellite Phone Services (ISPS) have been transferred to the new I-4 EMEA satellite.

Important notes:

• BGAN users affected by the Atlantic region outage need to re-point their antennas. To help guide the process, use the latest version of BGAN LaunchPad.
• IsatPhone and LandPhone users need to re-point their antennas to the new I-4 EMEA satellite location at 25E. Channel numbers 38, 48, 49 and 88 remain the same. To see which applies to you, download the Updated Channel Map.
• When re-pointing your antenna, please ensure that there are no objects blocking line of sight.
• No action is required for FleetBroadband and SwiftBroadband users who were affected by the Atlantic region outage, as well as FleetPhone users since the antennas will track the satellite automatically.

Software Upgrades

The most recent terminal software updates are listed below:

• Thrane & Thrane Explorer 527 - Version 3.01
• JRC JUE-250 - Version 01.06
• HNS 9201 - Version 3.6.2.8

Commercial availability of the I-4 EMEA satellite also marks the beginning of the second and final outage related to repositioning. It will run from February 6 - 24 and affect BGAN, FleetBroadband and SwiftBroadband users in certain parts of Asia Pacific.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

During the satellite repositioning process, Inmarsat is making every effort to minimise any impact on customers. However, there will be two short service outages that will affect a small number of BGAN, FleetBroadband, SwiftBroadband and Satellite Phone Service users in a restricted area.

There will also be slight changes to spot beam coverage in the Atlantic Ocean Region-West for some maritime and aeronautical services.

"9555" Features Enhanced Usability Provides a Reliable, Critical, Global Lifeline

BETHESDA, Md. - October 20, 2008 /PRNewswire/ — Iridium Satellite LLC today unveiled its smallest, most powerful satellite phone - the Iridium "9555" - at its annual Partner Conference in Miami, Fla. The innovative, all-new design of the 9555 offers a significantly reduced size, a more hand-friendly form factor, an intuitive user interface, and new features such as an internally stowed antenna. It is compact, light and easy to use, featuring a brighter screen, a speaker phone, improved Short Messaging Service (SMS) and email capabilities, and an upgraded mini-USB data port. The new phone is engineered to withstand and perform well in the world's most rugged, remote and industrial environments, including being water- and shock-resistant. Combined with the only communications network providing truly global coverage, the 9555 delivers the reliable, secure, real-time, mission-critical communications service that Iridium users have come to expect.

"The 9555 is yet another example of our continuing investment in our products, services and infrastructure," said Don Thoma, executive vice president, marketing, Iridium. "In designing the 9555, we believe we have responded to our customers' needs. In addition to delivering this sleek new handset, we also are known for excellent network reliability, which is why we offer the Iridium Network Quality Guarantee."

Iridium is the only provider of truly global satellite voice and data communications solutions with complete coverage of the entire earth including oceans, airways and even Polar Regions. Iridium customers are organizations and individuals operating in some of the most remote and harsh regions of the world, from distant oil rigs to ships at sea and deserts. The Iridium 9555 utilizes the largest commercial satellite constellation in the world, consisting of 66 low-earth orbiting cross-linked satellites, and operates as a fully meshed network with in-orbit spares.

"The 9555 is, by far, the phone that first responders will want to have on hand for backup emergency communications in case of natural or man-made disasters," said Thoma. "Iridium phones are the only handsets that can be used in absolutely any location, in any condition, instead of cellular, landline or radio services that can become inoperable when towers go down or telecommunications infrastructure is compromised. Since the 9555 is lightweight and simple to use, it will be the satellite phone of choice for emergency workers and customers in other remote environments such as the open seas, on rugged industrial sites, and in extreme travel scenarios."

"To help us live up to our mission of 'safely bringing the beauty and excitement of adventure to those who pursue it,' we have long relied on Iridium phones during our expeditions," said Mark Gunlogson, president, Mountain Madness, one of the world's top mountain guide services. "Now, having a smaller, lighter phone that still provides that critical lifeline will be a welcome addition to our backpacks as we travel across the globe."

The 9555 design includes a menu-driven interface, making it very user-friendly for customers. Soft keys are utilized to allow for flexible menu choices and ease of navigation. Key features of the 9555 handset include:

• Lighter weight design - 27 percent lighter than 9505A handset
• Compact - 30 percent smaller than 9505A handset
• Internally retractable antenna for compact carrying
• Illuminated, weather-resistant keypad redesigned for ease-of-use
• A menu configurable in any of 21 languages
• Enhanced functionality for improved integration of messaging (short email and SMS)
• Additional address book fields for more phone numbers, email addresses and notes
• Programmable international codes for automatic dialing
• Built-in help function
• Integrated speakerphone
• Mini-USB data port
• Standby time up to 30 hours
• Talk time up to 4 hours

Inmarsat plans to support a new entry-level FleetBroadband terminal being developed for the small fishing, leisure and business vessels market from mid-2009.

The FB150 terminals will offer simultaneous voice, IP data up to 150kbps and SMS texting.

The first manufacturers of FB150 hardware will be Thrane & Thrane and AddValue, which is partnering with SpaceCom for antenna production.

Pricing needs
Piers Cunningham, head of maritime business at Inmarsat, said: "Inmarsat and the FB150 manufacturers are committed to ensuring the terminal pricing will address the needs of the sub-US $5,000 hardware sector."

"Owners of smaller vessels want to explore the benefits of internet access through FleetBroadband’s IP data capability, and they want a service that is priced accordingly."

There are two terminal options currently supported by Inmarsat's FleetBroadband service. These are the FB250, offering Standard IP up to 284kbps and Streaming IP up to 128kbps, via an antenna 25cms in diameter; and the FB500, offering Standard IP up to 432kbps and Streaming IP up to 256kbps, via an antenna 50cms in diameter.

Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, has confirmed the successful launch and acquisition of the third Inmarsat-4 satellite.

The satellite was launched on a Proton Breeze M rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 11:43pm BST on 18 August (4:43am 19th August, local time). Inmarsat's tracking station in Fucino, Italy was able to track the satellite while it was still coupled to the Breeze M launch vehicle. Launch provider ILS confirmed successful spacecraft separation at 8:46am BST on 19 August.

The satellite is the third in the I-4 constellation, concluding a decade of development and a US$1.5 billion investment. The current constellation of two Inmarsat-4 satellites delivers mobile broadband services to 85 per cent of the world's landmass, covering 98 per cent of the world's population. The third I-4 will complete the global coverage for Inmarsat's broadband services.

Global Coverage
Andrew Sukawaty, chief executive and chairman of Inmarsat, said: "The Inmarsat-4s are the world's most sophisticated commercial network for mobile voice and data services, and the successful launch of the third I-4 allows us to complete the global coverage for our broadband services. Once the third I-4 is operational, Inmarsat will have the only fully-funded next-generation network for mobile satellite services."

The Proton Breeze M is one of the few launch vehicles capable of lifting the I-4 satellite - the size of a London double-decker bus and weighing six tons - into geostationary transfer orbit. The I-4 F3 satellite will now undergo a period of deployment and several weeks of comprehensive tests and manoeuvres before being positioned in geostationary orbit at 98º West.

Inmarsat satellites are currently relied on by the world's shipping, oil exploration, defence and aviation industries to service their communications needs. Inmarsat is also the communications channel of choice for the media when reporting from the world's danger zones and for NGOs, government agencies and the United Nations when coordinating rescue efforts.

Mobile broadband coverage of the world will move a step closer with the forthcoming launch of the third and final Inmarsat-4 (I-4) satellite.

The launch is now scheduled for 22:43 UTC on 18 August on board a Proton M rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The new date was announced following a short delay caused by a fault discovered during testing of the Proton.

Geostationary orbitThe Proton M will carry the Inmarsat-4 F3 into geostationary orbit at 35,786km (22,240 miles).

Once tested and operational, the I-4 F3 will be provide satellite phone and mobile broadband services to North and South America at 98 degrees west.

And together with its two sister satellites, already in orbit, the completed constellation will deliver full and seamless global coverage for our entire range of broadband mobile satellite services.

Dear BGAN Customer,

We are pleased to inform you that firmware version 2.11.3 for Explorer 100/110 and (the Nera branded) WorldPro 1000/1010 is now available for download from the Inmarsat website at http://www.inmarsat.com/support/BGAN. This firmware release will also also be available for download from BGAN LaunchPad shortly. Please see the attached briefing note for installation instructions and change details.

Inmarsat recommends that all customers install this release. Enhancements included in this version are specifically for the Explorer 100/100 and WorldPro 1000/1010 to support future BGAN network upgrades. Please note this firmware is not required for any other BGAN terminal than those listed above.

Whilst there are no planned BGAN network upgrades that will affect these terminals, Inmarsat always recommends users to have the latest firmware installed in order to future proof BGAN devices.

If you are upgrading the firmware on a WorldPro then your terminal will automatically become equivalent to a TT Explorer. WorldPro users should also note that they will also need to use the latest version of LaunchPad (v3.7.0) as well as the latest USB drivers subsequent to upgrading with this firmware release. The latest LaunchPad and USB drivers are available from the Inmarsat BGAN support website and via BGAN LaunchPad.

Should you wish to discuss further please do not hesitate to contact the customer service team either by email to support@bganbss.inmarsat.com

Global broadband coverage moves a step closer next month with the launch of the third and final Inmarsat-4 (I-4) satellite.

Lift off is scheduled for 22:46 UTC (23:46 BST) on 13 August from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the historic location for the launch of the first man-made satellite, Sputnik, in 1957 and the first man in space, Yuri Gagarin, in 1961.

The I-4 F3 will be injected into a geosynchronous transfer orbit 35,786km (22,240 miles) above the Earth on a Proton Breeze M launch vehicle. Once tested and operational, it will complete the worldwide constellation of I-4 spacecraft, while delivering Inmarsat's range of advanced satellite phone and mobile broadband data services to North and South America at 98 degrees west..

Inmarsat partner SingTel ran a live demonstration of the Thrane & Thrane Explorer 727 vehicular BGAN terminal.

The event, attended by a large number of representatives from the media, took place at the CommunicAsia exhibition in Singapore.

Exhibition site
SingTel fitted a vehicle with the Explorer 727 terminal, which drove around the site of the exhibition.

Using a combination of the terminal, which features a roof-mounted antenna for constant satellite tracking on the move, and Streambox video technology, the vehicle was able to stream video footage taken from one of its windows to a screen located at SingTel’s expo stand.

Net access on the go
At the same time, some other customers in the vehicle tested the Explorer 727’s ability to connect to the internet while the vehicle was in motion.

The Explorer 727 offers users multiple voice and data interfaces, including ISDN for legacy applications, and four Ethernet ports.

Inmarsat has confirmed that the third Inmarsat-4 (I-4) satellite – the final piece of the jigsaw for provision of global broadband coverage – is scheduled to be launched aboard a Proton Breeze-M rocket on 14 August.
The launch will take place from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Enhanced coverage
The launch of the third I-4 will open up Inmarsat’s dynamic FleetBroadband service to a truly worldwide audience, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of shared IP access at speeds of up to 432kbps, as well as streaming IP assured access at speeds of up to 256kbps.

And, with SMS and videoconferencing capabilities included, FleetBroadband will open up significant opportunities for shipowners and operators, regardless of their location.

In addition, FleetBroadband’s global scope will lead to greatly enhanced real time video and audio coverage of maritime sporting events, such as the Volvo Ocean Race.

Early feedback from Inmarsat-supported evaluations of FleetBroadband among maritime end-users suggests that ship operators are appreciating the benefits of broadband at sea.

Ten companies are taking part in the trials of FleetBroadband, called martime field evaluations (MFEs), two of which have been completed.

The participating companies have been split by vessel segment, with seven drawn from the deep-sea merchant sector, and one each from the fishing, government and leisure sectors.

Exceeding expectations
The terminals deployed are a mixture of JRC FB250 and Thrane & Thrane FB500 models.

Initial feedback has “exceeded expectations”, with many of the participants enjoying their first taste of IP-based broadband communications, says Inmarsat maritime market manager Kartik Sinha.

Inmarsat has been able to make the evaluations as smooth as possible by offering remote assistance from its London HQ.

Flexible options
Inmarsat’s applications team can access the onboard terminals remotely and step in with expert advice should any troubleshooting be required.

A JRC FB250 and Thrane & Thrane FB500, both static, have been installed in the London solutions lab and the hub.

“If users wish to create their own scenarios, such as establishing a WiFi hotspot at a certain position on the vessel, we can test this here,” Sinha explains.

FleetBroadband LaunchPad 1.3.0

FleetBroadband LaunchPad 1.3.0 for PC is released and available for download now. Goto http://www.issi-us.net/MainNav/BGAN/Downloads.aspx to download now.

Recommendations for installation
Inmarsat advises that all customers install FleetBroadband (FB) LaunchPad 1.3.0 to take advantage of the features of this custom-designed interface to your FleetBroadband terminal.

Terminal firmware
This version of FB LaunchPad is for use with the following FleetBroadband terminals:
• JRC JUE-250.
• Thrane & Thrane SAILOR 250 and SAILOR 500 software version 1.05 or above.

Installing LaunchPad 1.3.0
You must have a PC running Windows XP before you can install FB LaunchPad 1.3.0.
Note: FB LaunchPad will be compatible with Windows Vista from end of 2008.
To install FB LaunchPad:

1. Download the installer from http://www.issi-us.net/MainNav/BGAN/Downloads.aspx.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to download the installer to your desktop.
3. Double-click on the LaunchPad installer.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions. (If you have a version of FB LaunchPad already installed, select the Uninstall option when prompted.)

After installation, the FB LaunchPad icon is installed on your desktop. Double-click on the icon to open FB LaunchPad.

A number of guides to help you use FB LaunchPad are available for download from the Inmarsat web site. Go to www.inmarsat.com/support, click on FleetBroadband, then click on the required guide.

Using TCP Accelerator
TCP Accelerator is not included as part of FB LaunchPad. If you have not already installed TCP Accelerator, and you want to take advantage of the improved performance that TCP Accelerator provides over FleetBroadband, you must install it separately. To download TCP Accelerator, go to http://www.issi-us.net/MainNav/BGAN/Downloads.aspx, click on FleetBroadband, then click on TCP Accelerator and follow the on-screen instructions.

Fixed in this release
• This FB Launchpad 1.3.0 version supports Thrane & Thrane SAILOR 250 and SAILOR 500.

Dear Customers,
We are pleased to announce that International Launch Services (ILS) has now scheduled its next Proton launch, with the Inmarsat-4 F3 satellite as its return to flight, for 14 August (13 August UTC) from the Baikonur Cosmodrone in Kazakhstan.
An announcement has been made to the London Stock Exchange this morning confirming the launch date. A copy of the actual press release is below:

McLEAN, Va., and LONDON, 1st July 2008 – Inmarsat plc (LSE: ISAT), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, today announced that International Launch Services (ILS) has scheduled its next Proton Breeze M commercial mission for 14th August (13th August GMT) from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, with the launch of the Inmarsat-4 F3 satellite.

The satellite is scheduled to be shipped to Baikonur in early July for a six-week launch programme.  The satellite, an EADS Astrium Eurostar 3000 model, will weigh approximately 6 metric tons at liftoff, perfectly suited for the Proton Breeze M’s lift capability.  Khrunichev Space Center of Moscow, the majority shareholder in ILS, manufactures the Proton system.

The Inmarsat-4 F3 satellite will complete Inmarsat’s next-generation global satellite network, providing broadband MSS services to users everywhere.

This is the first ILS mission since a Breeze M upper stage suffered a failure during the AMC-14 mission in March.  The Proton Breeze M is ready to return to flight now that a Russian State Commission and an ILS-led independent review panel have concluded their inquiries into that incident and corrective actions have been completed.

“Having participated in the Failure Review process in its entirety, I am satisfied that the appropriate actions have been taken to deal with recent failures and to reassess the quality of the Proton vehicle. Inmarsat now expects to transport the satellite to the launch site and complete certain other formalities in sufficient time to target the launch date announced today,” said Gene Jilg, Chief Technology Officer for Inmarsat.

”We thank Inmarsat for its support and patience,” said ILS President Frank McKenna.  “We know how important this satellite is for the continued success of Inmarsat’s growing broadband services, and we look forward to the start of the campaign in the coming days.”

- ends -

About ILS and Khrunichev
ILS provides satellite customers with a complete array of services and support, from contract signing through mission management and on-orbit delivery.  ILS has exclusive rights to market the Proton, Russia’s premier heavy-lift vehicle, to commercial satellite operators worldwide, as well as the Angara next-generation launcher.  ILS is a U.S. company incorporated in Delaware, and headquartered in McLean, Va., a suburb of Washington, D.C.  For more information, visit www.ilslaunch.com.
Khrunichev, which holds the majority interest in ILS, is one of the cornerstones of the Russian space industry.  Khrunichev manufactures the Proton system and is developing the Angara launch system.  The Proton launches from facilities at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, and has a heritage of more than 330 missions since 1965.  Khrunichev includes among its branches a number of key manufacturers of launch vehicle and spacecraft components in Moscow and in other cities of the Russian Federation.  For more information, visit www.khrunichev.ru.

About Inmarsat
Inmarsat plc (LSE: ISAT) 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 global network of more than 500 distribution partners and service providers operating in 180 countries.  For the year ended 31 December 2007, Inmarsat plc had total revenue of US$ 576.5 million.  More information can be found at www.inmarsat.com.

ThurayaIP satellite modem offers Broadband Data Service through a highly compact, ultra lightweight and advanced satellite terminal. As the world’s first and only Mobile Satellite Service to support 384 Kbps streaming IP, ThurayaIP offers superior ‘Always on’ super quick Internet access even from the most remote regions in more than 120 countries in the world.
A generation ahead in design and performance, ThurayaIP satellite broadband modem combines ultimate performance with a customized rugged design and protection to sustain rough usage. It is very portable and easy to setup - a simple plug and play mechanism that comes with user friendly graphical user interface.

ThurayaIP is ideal…
For single users using bandwidth-hungry applications, such as transmission of store and forward video, live video and video conferencing.

For small teams who need to set up a temporary office with broadband connectivity from standard to various data applications.
Applications

• Internet access – High speed Internet at speeds of up to 444 Kbps.
• Streaming – Select guaranteed quality of service up to 384 Kbps on demand for bandwidth hungry applications like video streaming.
• Remote Connectivity – Broadband access to your corporate network, for up-to-date and instant access to company and customer information.
• Email – Send and receive email via the Internet or other email applications.
• File transfer – Send and receive large files.

Benefits
Choice of multi performance options – Access your data applications with multiple performance options to suit your various operational requirements:

• Standard background IP service with bandwidth of up to 444 Kbps for Internet access, etc
• Dedicated streaming IP services ranging from 16 Kbps to 384 Kbps for bandwidth hungry applications like video streaming.
• Absolutely Portable – Exceptionally small in size (A5 size), ThurayaIP can be easily moved across locations and set up instantly.
• Highly Competitive – Offers the most attractive and competitive service with volume based charging via various bundling options and unlimited usage price plans.
• Robust – Conforms to IP 55 standard ingress protection standards; enabling outdoor installation in extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time.
• Unmatched Flexibility – Easy to use in both portable and semi-fixed environments. Instant LAN setup through multi-user support allows an entire team to share a single unit.
• Convenience– Simply connect ThurayaIP to a laptop, point to the satellite and enjoy satellite Broadband services.
• Stand Alone – Easy to setup and start working- no laptop or PC is required to navigate setup. An embedded button and LCD in the terminal guides you through the whole setup control.
• Complete security with GmPRS encryption algorithm (GEA2) - Connect seamlessly via your preferred VPN application.

12-06-2008 - The dramatic final days of the British Armed Forces' Makalu 2008 expedition were relayed to the world via BGAN as four teams reached the end of an exhausting six weeks in the Himalaya.

Family, friends, sponsors and an avid online audience of thousands saw daily updates in words, pictures and video relayed via Inmarsat's broadband global network to the expedition website. 

The main team in the joint services' Makalu 2008 expedition successfully summitted three of its number on Makalu at 8,463 metres (27,770 ft), approaching up the southern slopes.

South-east ridge
The success of Flight Lieutenant Jonathon Percival and his Sherpa, Dawa, was followed a few days later by Major Matt Hing and Lieutenant Lara Herbert with their sherpas, Dendi and Dayula.

A team scaling via the south-east ridge were less fortunate. Despite reaching further along the ridge than any other team since 1976, the final push for the peak proved elusive.

After First Warrant Officer Dick Gale suffered from a sore throat and possible chest infection, south-east team leader Squadron Leader Colin Scott wrote about their struggle to re-climb from base camp at 5,800 metres (19,029 ft) to pre-established camps two, three, four and five in their preparations to reach the summit.

Physical difficulties
After cresting a ridge and setting off in glorious sunshine for camp two at about 6,800 metres (22,310 ft), Colin faced his own physical difficulties. 

"I began to experience similar symptoms to those that had affected Dick earlier in the day. Step after step had me convulsing in an extreme coughing fit and my upward progress slowed to a snail¿s pace," he wrote.

"After wrestling with the problem for 20 minutes, we agreed that my condition would only worsen as we went higher and the only sensible option was to descend to base camp."

High altitude
However, the expedition's high altitude development team did succeed in achieving their initial goals.

They trekked 240km (149 miles) with a total vertical ascent of nearly 10,000 metres (32,808 ft) - higher than Everest. They also successfully and safely navigated their intended route and climbed their chosen mountains. More importantly they developed the skills required for future Himalayan expeditions.

Video reportage
The junior team also succeeded in achieving all of their pre-expedition goals. They trekked through the foothills of the Himalaya and successfully climbed Mera Peak at 6,476 metres (21,247 ft).

The expedition's video and web log reportage was made possible by Inmarsat partner NSSL, a global provider of satellite services and equipment, which provided the teams with four BGAN terminals.

The Makalu 2008 expedition involves about 40 people selected from the UK's army, navy and air force, and comprises two Makalu ascent teams, one high-altitude acclimatisation group and a "junior" trekking contingent.
The expedition also raised funds for SOS Children's Villages, an international charity that provides family environments, schools and communities for orphaned and abandoned children.

India's ever-expanding maritime market is set to benefit from broadband ship-to-shore communications, following the launch of Inmarsat’s FleetBroadband solution in Mumbai recently.

In a ceremony hosted aboard Princess Cruises’ Caribbean Princess, Inmarsat’s FleetBroadband solutions manager, Manoj Mohindra, provided a 50-strong audience with a live demonstration.

The event was organised by Inmarsat distribution partner Stratos and its representative in India, Station Satcom.

The launch was attended by shipowners and ship managers, as well as representatives from the Indian Navy and Coastguard.

Seamless integration
Gerbrand Schalkwijk, vice-president for Asia Pacific, said FleetBroadband would improve crew and customer satisfaction, as well as enable money to be saved on fuel and operations costs by granting ship operators greater access to weather and routing updates.

"FleetBroadband will achieve two important goals of each maritime executive: firstly, it seamlessly integrates vessels with their head office IT network; and secondly, it enables broadband business solutions, such as remote-IT and cargo-management, to be used onboard."

Today International Satellite Services, Inc. announced that we have an agreement in place to become a global distributor for the new Iridium OpenPortSM service. ISS' goal is to build our maritime business in the Americas region and beyond and we believe the new Iridium OpenPortSM service will help us do that. Service is expected to be commercially available September 2008.

About Iridium OpenPort. With an always-on, standard Ethernet connection and three voice lines that can be used simultaneously, Iridium OpenPort will deliver reliable, cost-effective data & voice communications for shipping and fishing fleets around the globe. Service will be available in packages bundling data usage and voice minutes into one low monthly fee. Large-volume voice and data packages will also be offered at progressive per-unit discounts. Packages will be available for speeds of 9.6 kbps, 32 kbps, 64 kbps and 128 kbps.

The ISS Proposition. International Satellite Services will combine the Iridium OpenPort service with the already existing portfolio of software solutions, providing one of the most comprehensive communications solutions available to the maritime community. ISS will offer solutions available to meet all the varying needs of the maritime community, including the shipping, fishing, workboat, research and crew calling sectors. Advance orders for Iridium OpenPort terminals are being taken now by ISS to ensure that customers will receive one of the first Iridium OpenPort terminals available on the market.

For more information, please visit us on the web at www.issi-us.net or call 1.888-511.3403

Two intrepid young explorers have reached Sydney, Australia, after a year-long man-powered trek across the world to raise awareness about climate change.

Young Britons Rob Gauntlett, aged 20, and James Hooper, aged 21, sailed into Sydney Harbour on 9 May on board the yacht Blizzard after reaching their final objective in raging seas - the magnetic South Pole.

The pair set off in April 2007 from the North Pole on a journey that took them from the Arctic to the Antarctic via the Americas.

On 24 April they reached the ever-shifting magnetic South Pole - currently at around 63 degrees S and 138 degrees E, just off the Antarctic's Adelie Coast.

Walking, cycling and sailing 22,000 km (13,500 miles), Rob and James kept in touch with the world using an HNS 9201, an Inmarsat BGAN terminal loaned by our partner BT. Airtime was sponsored jointly by BT and Inmarsat.

During their travels they highlighted mankind's destructive impact on the environment, while travelling - for the most part - using only man-powered means.

Dangerous moments
Along the way they experienced some harrowing moments, as well as plenty of stunning scenery and good old-fashioned human kindness.

On one occasion, Rob fell through the ice into freezing waters as they crossed the Arctic. But, fortunately, James quickly pulled him out and used the BGAN terminal to call a rescue helicopter to rush him to hospital.

And hours before reaching magnetic South, a raging storm up-turned their boat, causing havoc inside the cabin

This terrifying incident helped prove the resilience of the ruggedised BGAN equipment and laptop PC, which remained watertight and undamaged below deck.

Environmentalists
Weeks earlier, in warmer climes, their BGAN helped them relay video blogs from El Salvador in Central America, where they highlighted how deforestation has made the soil vulnerable to erosion, exacerbating the impact of extreme weather and natural disasters.

After reaching Patagonia in Argentina at the southern-most tip of South America, Rob also took time to explain - via video blog - just how useful BGAN has been during their journey.

"It really helps to have satellite gear that allows us to always be in contact in a really modern way," he said.

"Basically it provides us with broadband speed internet [so we can] set up the terminal and download all our emails and stay in touch."

They sailed into Sydney harbour on a boat manned by three professional mariners.

During the expedition they have also been raising funds for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and The Prince's Trust.

Inmarsat has been named best satellite operator in the annual Telecom Asia Awards, which recognise outstanding performance in the industry.

Organised by the leading telecoms publication and online news service, Telecom Asia, the awards are the longest-running and most prestigious telecoms industry accolades in Asia.

Inmarsat was chosen for the award by an independent judging panel, which considered nominees' performance in the financial, market, technology and corporate governance spheres, backed by research carried out by global IT and telecom consultancy firm Ovum.

Impressed
Robert Clark, head of the judging panel, said: "Inmarsat impressed the judges with its sharply-focused business model of delivering IP and mobile satellite broadband to key verticals.

"It is reaping the benefits of that approach with stronger growth and profitability in its recent financial results."

Inmarsat's director of satellite and network operations, Richard Denny, collected the award on behalf of the company during a ceremony in Phuket, Thailand.

The first contingent of a BGAN-equipped British armed forces expedition has begun the ascent of Makalu in the Himalaya.

Members of the main team, drawn from the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and British Army have started posting daily blogs and pictures on the Makalu 2008 expedition website, using one of four Thrane & Thrane BGAN terminals loaned by Inmarsat partner NSSL.

All members of this main team reached an interim base camp at the south-east ridge on 7 April - 4,100 metres (13,451 feet) above sea level - beneath the world's fifth highest mountain.

A few days later they moved to another base camp climbing a further 1,000 metres (3,281 feet). From there they started their ascent to the summit of Makalu at 8,463 metres (27,770 feet) from the north-east.

Torrential rain
Spectacular pictures and powerful accounts of their exhausting journey to the mountain have been posted online via Inmarsat for the world to read.

While ascending the Shipton La peak, Lieutenant Angela Laycock wrote: "The last two days have been pretty emotional ones. We started yesterday in our shorts and T-shirts enjoying an English summer's day with a few clouds looming. After just a few hours it became a typical Welsh day with torrential rain.

"After lunch it felt as if we had been transported into a Scottish winter and by this point most of us were fully Gortex'd up!"

The expedition is raising funds for SOS Children's Villages, an international charity that provides family environments, schools and communities for orphaned and abandoned children.

FleetBroadband scooped a prestigious award for innovation at the Lloyd's List London Awards for 2008

The cutting-edge voice and high-speed data service came in for praise from the judges as fresh evidence of Inmarsat's unwavering support for the maritime community.

The judges recognised Inmarsat's "continuing commitment" to serving the maritime industry "from its original remit in safety and distress communications to the current range of voice and data services" .

Inmarsat's head of maritime business, Piers Cunningham, received the award in front of 450 guests during a ceremony at the Natural History Museum in London.

Independent Panel
Piers said: "It's a great honour to receive the innovation award for FleetBroadband from such an esteemed body.

"The category was judged by a completely independent panel of maritime experts. It's very rare to have no idea whether you've won an award before it's announced but this was kept under wraps until the night, which is why the awards are so highly respected."

Inmarsat has agreed a location in Manhattan, New York City, for its new North American 'meet-me point'.

As previously reported in Connect E-News, the high tech-facility will be a convenient and cost-effective nexus where Partners and their customers can connect to the BGAN network.

BGAN traffic from the satellite access station at Burum, the Netherlands, will be routed across the Atlantic to TelX Inc, a carrier co-location facility based at 60 Hudson Street in Manhattan.

"This new meet-me point will ensure a 'level playing field' for our North America Distribution Partners," says Graeme Gordon, Inmarsat's land mobile product manager.

"They will be able to connect to the BGAN network via high-speed Ethernet or T1 cables just as easily and securely as our Europe-based Partners."

TelX Inc is an internationally recognized operator of telecom network interconnection facilities. The company says that more than 250 networks physically converge within its Hudson Street facility.

DPs will be able to establish their own points of presence (PoPs) at Hudson Street, or route their BGAN traffic to PoPs elsewhere.

Large-scale BGAN users, such as broadcasters, will also have the option of linking direct to the meet-me point, although they will have to do so in conjunction with a DP.

Inmarsat is considering the business benefits of establishing other meet-me points elsewhere in the world.

For more information about the Manhattan facility, please contact your DP or Inmarsat account manager.

13-02-2008 - A three-week, 4,500-mile trek to Timbuktu in an ageing Vauxhall Corsa car relied on Inmarsat BGAN to keep in touch from some of the remotest places on Earth.

For racers Alex Lane and Sylvia Hermann - also known as the Monkeyrunners - a BGAN terminal definitely made their list of essential equipment, along with the toolkit, water and mosquito repellent.

Inmarsat loaned journalist Alex and his partner a Explorer 100 terminal made by Thrane & Thrane for the Timbuktu Challenge - an annual charity race from London to Mali by vehicles which must be worth less than £100 (US$51).

Those motor vehicles that cross the finishing line are auctioned off to support local good causes.

Alex wanted the BGAN terminal so he could transmit regular blogs, video and photos to his Timbuktu Challenge website, and keep in touch with family and supporters back home in the UK.

"It was excellent," said Alex. "It was really easy to set up and use and it fitted into a standard laptop bag.

"Certainly in places like Mauritania and Mali we were in and out of areas where you could get mobile phone coverage. So it was great being able to get online and update the blog."

By Gregg Swanson

The BGAN mobile satellite terminal has been around now for about 18 months, with a growing number of users reporting high confidence in the system and the Inmarsat broadband network. Recently, we tested the newest of the BGAN terminals, the Sabre I, and were impressed. Known as the Wideye Sabre I, the terminal weighs only 1.6 kg (3.5 pounds) and would easily fit in a backpack: 10 x 6.5 inches (not including the 1.2 inch protruding hinge on the base). It appears to be a sturdy, rugged design, much like the larger Hughes 9201. The Sabre I was designed by a Singapore company, AddValue Technologies.

There are two compelling reasons for looking at the Sabre I:
First, it is an excellent value, priced approximately at the cost of an Iridium satphone.
Second, it has an excellent voice capability, in addition to broadband Internet. The cost is less than 80 cents per minute. You simply plug in a conventional telephone (RJ-11 connection) or use the small handset provided, and dial as you would an international call: 00 + country code + number. It took about 30 - 40 seconds to connect. On our test to land and cell phones, the voice quality was uniformly excellent, better than many cell phone connections. There was very little "lag" or latency, making it easy to converse. The Internet data connection was a bit slower than with the Hughes, which has a larger antenna. We were connected from Portland, Oregon, USA with an elevation to the Inmarsat satellite only 5 degrees above the eastern horizon. Even in light rain, the speed was more than satisfactory. Normal Web pages took 2-4 seconds to load, and a photo-intensive Flickr page took about 10 seconds.

Setup was straightforward, using the Quick Start Guide provided. A complete User Manual was also included in the CD that came with the terminal. The Sabre 1 is simple to understand and operate. There are three ports: power, Ethernet, and the RJ-11 for a phone or handset. The terminal comes with an AC charger, but a DC car charger must be ordered separately. Connecting to a laptop with an Ethernet cable has two advantages: no USB driver to install and keep updated, and you can use up to 200 feet of cable from laptop to BGAN. Upon power up, the Sabre I quickly acquired the GPS location and went into antenna pointing mode. Acquiring the satellite signal was easy with the customary audio tone. When the terminal acquired the signal, it immediately began to register with the network. Within a minute of power up, we could place a call using the handset. A Bluetooth wireless handset is also available.
(Note: this is not Voip, or voice over IP. It is a specialized analog channel for phone calls.) For Internet access, we connected the laptop by Ethernet and used the LaunchPad software The only complication in our test was that a firmware upgrade was required in order to enable the Standard IP connection to the Internet. We downloaded the upgrade from the Inmarsat Web site, installed it using the directions given (15 minutes total) and the Standard IP connection has worked well every time.

The LCD window is a very nice feature, allowing the user to check or change settings and – when the service is introduced – even receive text messages.
Users who are "off the grid" will need to consider solar charging or some other provision for power. The battery is not large, and the spec sheet states "one hour continuous transmission at data rate <= 72kbps." The lithium ion battery will give you three hours in receive only, and (according to specifications) 36 hours in Standby. We have not tested these specs, but will soon. While the Explorer series of BGANs are somewhat lighter and smaller, to date they have been priced higher than the Hughes 9201 (which has integrated WiFi) and much higher than the Sabre I. Users who need to travel light, and those who need to replace their RBGAN by end 2008, should consider this terminal.

For Immediate Release

Mobile Satellite Ventures Awarded Industry-Leading Interference Reduction Patent

Technologies of New Patent Designed to Improve Quality of Service While Increasing Satellite and Terrestrial Capacity

Reston, Va., February 6, 2008 -- Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) announced today that it has been awarded a new patent by the U.S. Patent Office that protects technologies relating to the reduction of interference, resulting in improved quality of service and increased capacity.

U.S. Patent No. 7,295,807 is entitled “Methods and Systems for Configuring Satellite Antenna Cell Patterns in Response to Terrestrial Use of Satellite Frequencies.”

According to the patent’s inventor, Dr. Peter D. Karabinis, the technologies disclosed are currently being developed for MSV’s next generation satellite-terrestrial 4G network and are expected to result in customer benefits including improved voice quality, higher data rates, and lower costs.

“A satellite system may inadvertently receive interference from another system (terrestrial or satellite) that is authorized to use the same frequencies. This can have a detrimental impact on the quality of service and capacity,” explained Dr. Karabinis, who serves as senior vice president and chief technical officer at MSV. “However, interference tends to be directional; that is, it arrives at a specific angle relative to a desired signal. Exploiting this principle, the patent protects novel techniques of identifying the direction of arrival of interference and responsively modifying the satellite’s antenna pattern to maximally reject the interference,” Dr. Karabinis added.

According to Dr. Karabinis, the techniques included in this patent not only provide increased operational protection for MSV’s space-based network, but also increase capacity for MSV’s ATC service without encumbering satellite operations.

MSV is Redefining Wireless Communications™ through its development of a hybrid satellite-terrestrial communications network, based on MSV’s patented ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) technology. The company expects its next-generation network will provide seamless, transparent and ubiquitous wireless coverage of the United States and Canada to conventional handsets. MSV plans to launch two of the most powerful commercial satellites ever built that will enable this network to support communications in a variety of areas including public safety, homeland security, aviation, transportation and entertainment, by providing a platform for interoperable, user-friendly and feature-rich voice and high-speed data services.

Mobile Satellite Ventures is a joint venture between Mobile Satellite Ventures LP and Mobile Satellite Ventures (Canada) Inc. MSVLP is owned and controlled by SkyTerra Communications, Inc. (OTCBB: SKYT).

# # #

About Mobile Satellite Ventures and SkyTerra Communications, Inc.
MSV’s MSAT-2 satellite and MSV Canada’s MSAT-1 satellite deliver mobile wireless voice and data services primarily for public safety, security, fleet management and asset tracking in the U.S. and Canada. MSV and MSV Canada are developing a hybrid satellite-terrestrial communications network, which they expect will provide seamless, transparent and ubiquitous wireless coverage of the United States and Canada to conventional handsets. MSV holds the first FCC license to provide hybrid satellite-terrestrial services. MSV and MSV Canada plan to launch two satellites for coverage of the United States and Canada, which are expected to be among the largest and most powerful commercial satellites ever built. When completed, the network is expected to support communications in a variety of areas including public safety, homeland security, aviation, transportation and entertainment, by providing a platform for interoperable, user-friendly and feature-rich voice and high-speed data services. For more information go to http://www.msvlp.com.

Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, with respect to plans described in this news release. Such statements generally include words such as could, can, anticipate, believe, expect, seek, pursue, proposed, potential and similar words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties relating to the ability of SkyTerra and MSV to raise additional capital or consummate a strategic transaction or deploy the next generation system, as well as the ability of SkyTerra and MSV to execute their business plan. We assume no obligation to update or supplement such forward-looking statements.

For Immediate Release

SkyTerra, Mobile Satellite Ventures and Inmarsat Sign Spectrum Coordination and Cooperation Agreement

Pact Provides for L-Band Contiguity for Improved Efficiency and MSS/ATC Operational Parameters

RESTON, Va., LONDON and OTTAWA, December 21, 2007 – SkyTerra Communications, Inc. (OTCBB : SKYT), Inmarsat plc (LES : ISAT), Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) and Mobile Satellite Ventures (Canada) Inc. (MSV Canada) announced today that the companies have reached a comprehensive cooperative agreement for L-Band operations in North America. The agreement is intended to enable the re-banding and efficient reuse of a substantial segment of North American L-Band radio spectrum for the benefit of the companies and their current and future customers and partners.

The agreement encompasses a wide scope of activities including business, technology, regulatory and spectrum coordination issues.

Highlights of the agreement include:

• Provisions for the re-banding of the parties’ spectrum over North America to afford contiguous spectrum for operations. This is intended to address growing broadband requirements for enabling future hybrid mobile satellite services (MSS) and ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) services.
• Coordination parameters for the parties’ next generation satellites covering North America, both the new Inmarsat-4s and the new MSV1 and MSV2 satellites, in a manner designed to increase spectrum efficiency and protect both MSS and ATC operations from harmful interference.
• Resolution between the parties of outstanding regulatory issues in the United States and Canada, concerning each other’s operations.
• Accommodating increased technical flexibility and system enhancements that result in greater ATC usage and operations while protecting MSS.
• Flexibility to market and operate devices which address growing wireless broadband demands while providing a next-generation satellite capability.

In addition, the agreement also establishes a structure by which Inmarsat will modify its North American operations in a manner that will enable MSV to make more extensive use of L-Band spectrum available for MSS/ATC than is possible today.

“This agreement introduces a new era of cooperation among L-Band operators and, we believe, will help unlock the growing value of ATC technology on our now enhanced spectrum, enabling customers throughout North America to reap the benefits from greater flexibility and choices in air interface technology, coverage and equipment options,” said Alexander Good, CEO and President of SkyTerra and Vice Chairman and CEO of Mobile Satellite Ventures LP. “We have worked long and hard with Inmarsat to develop this agreement, which sets operational parameters in the L-band for existing satellite operations and lays the groundwork for future cooperation to address consumers’ demand for next generation technology and services.”

“Inmarsat’s agreement with MSV, MSV Canada and SkyTerra lays the groundwork for increased operational and technical cooperation while ensuring that Inmarsat can continue to grow and deploy mobile satellite services in North America, including BGAN services and our portfolio of existing and evolved offerings,” said Andrew Sukawaty, Chairman and CEO of Inmarsat.

All of the above provisions are subject to applicable regulatory approvals. Additional details regarding the agreement, including financial terms between the parties, can be found in SkyTerra’s 8-K that has been filed with the SEC. The 8-K is available on the EDGAR system and is posted to the financial information section of the SkyTerra Web site - www.skyterra.com.

About Mobile Satellite Ventures and SkyTerra Communications, Inc.
MSV has been delivering mobile wireless voice and data services primarily for public safety, security, fleet management and asset tracking in the U.S. and Canada using MSV Canada’s MSAT-1 and MSV’s MSAT-2 satellites for over 10 years. MSV is developing a hybrid satellite-terrestrial communications network in North America, based on MSV’s patented ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) technology. MSV is a joint venture between Mobile Satellite Ventures LP and Mobile Satellite Ventures (Canada) Inc. MSVLP is majority owned and controlled by SkyTerra Communications, Inc. (OTCBB:SKYT). More information can be found at www.msvlp.com.

About Inmarsat plc
Inmarsat plc (LSE:ISAT) 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 organizations, 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 global network of more than 500 distribution partners and service providers operating in 180 countries. For the year ended 31 December 2006, Inmarsat plc had total revenue of US$500.1 million. More information can be found at www.inmarsat.com.

Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, with respect to plans described in this news release. Such statements generally include words such as could, can, anticipate, believe, expect, seek, pursue, proposed, potential and similar words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties relating to the ability of SkyTerra and MSV to raise additional capital or consummate a strategic transaction or deploy the next generation system, as well as the ability of SkyTerra and MSV to execute their business plan. We assume no obligation to update or supplement such forward-looking statements.

Dear BGAN Customers,

During August 2007 Inmarsat circulated the bulletin below detailing a plan to change the way that mobile terminated 3.1KHz data and fax calls are managed in the BGAN network. This email is to inform you that the update will take place on Wedneday 10th October at 10:00 UTC. 
Inmarsat anticipates that the changes will result in an increase in successful termination of fax and data calls to BGAN numbers in the +870
78 xxx xxxx range.
Where success is not seen the cause, in the vast majority of cases, will be the choice of bearer circuits used before the call hits the BGAN
network, i.e the lack of success is not within Inmarsat's control. Where a fax or data transmission has been sent through bearer circuits where an inappropriate transmission medium is used (e.g. compression) calls will still terminate at the BGAN terminal but the data sent and received will not be decipherable.

The user experience will be as follows:

• Device 1, for example a fax machine, will initiate a call to a BGAN terminal
• The call will terminate and the BGAN will connect and answer
• Device 1 then initiates a protocol handshake with the BGAN terminal but this action will fail due to the use of the inappropriate bearer circuit.
• After a short period following the unsuccessful protocol handshake attempts the originating device will initiate a call clear action and the call will be disconnected.The call will be chargeable until such point it is cleared.

If a customer experiences the above when attempting a fax or data call they should be advised to contact their local PSTN service provider.
 
ORIGINAL BULLETIN:

Dear BGAN users,

Since the beginning of the year there has been an increase in the number of reported BGAN fixed to mobile calls failing while using the 3.1khz service to send fax and data messages.
Investigation in to these failed calls has identified that the issue is caused by some terrestrial networks incorrectly tagging the call as “speech” instead of “3.1khz”. In this scenario the Inmarsat switch will block and terminate the call (because it is tagged incorrectly), and no charge is made to the calling party.  Terminating the call in this way ensures that the connection that is established to the BGAN terminal is optimised for data/fax communications.
Feedback from customers indicates that terminating this type of call is not beneficial and that Inmarsat should allow all call types to be passed. Operation would then be as the LESO’s method of allowing all call types to pass through to the Inmarsat BGAN service.
During September Inmarsat propose removing the blocking described above. This change may mean that a small number of calls will connect but will not be able to pass traffic because the configuration settings on some modems will not recognise these calls. However, because these calls have been connected (and therefore used satellite resource) they will be chargeable.

Dear BGAN Customers,

Wideye Sabre1 Firmware version R011.1.4 and Ethernet VSP driver version v1.4.0

We are pleased to inform you that the Sabre1 firmware version RO11.1.4 with Windows and MAC Upgrader and Ethernet VSP driver version v1.4.0 is now available for download from the Inmarsat website at http://www.inmarsat.com/support/BGAN. You can also download this release through the BGAN LaunchPad Update feature from 1st October 2007.  Please see attached briefing note for more information.

Inmarsat recommends that all customers install this release.

FleetBroadband

Cost-effective, faster data

Launching in November 2007, FleetBroadband is the first maritime communications service to provide cost-effective broadband data and voice, simultaneously, through a compact antenna on a global basis.

Terminals

Two types of terminal will be available, with different performance capabilities and size:

FB250 
Will offer Standard IP up to 284kbps and Streaming IP up to 128kbps. Antenna 25cm in diameter.

FB500
Will offer Standard IP up to 432kbps and Streaming IP up to 256kbps. Antenna 50 cm in diameter.

Both terminals are designed specifically for the marine environment and also support voice, fax and SMS.

Flexible migration

FleetBroadband takes your vessel into the IP era. But if you're not quite ready to move to IP, it still supports the core ISDN capability of our existing services.

Based on 3G standards, it provides constant, simultaneous access to voice and broadband data.

Operational systems can be running online and you can still access email, the internet and make phone calls - all via a single terminal.

Capabilities

Standard IP
Up to 432kbps over a shared channel, for email, internet and intranet access.

Streaming IP
Guaranteed data rates on demand up to 256kbps.

Voice
Simultaneous voice and data via the same terminal.

ISDN
Supports ISDN at 64kbps for legacy applications.

SMS text
Send and receive text messages.

19-06-2007 - Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, has announced that it will launch its new suite of satellite phone services on 16th July, 2007.

The portfolio includes handheld, fixed and maritime satellite phones - branded IsatPhone, LandPhone and FleetPhone respectively. IsatPhone and LandPhone will be available from eight Inmarsat distribution partners - ACeS, Chinasat, Evosat, Fono, MCN, MVS, Satcom Global and Stratos - immediately at launch. The commercial launch of FleetPhone is planned for early Q4 2007.

The IsatPhone is a dual-mode satellite/GSM handheld phone that is targeted at business and personal users who travel or work in areas where local telephone networks are unreliable or non-existent. The LandPhone is a fixed telephony solution designed for a range of indoor and outdoor uses in remote locations. The new services will be initially available across Asia, the Middle East and Africa, with a global roll-out expected by the end of 2008.

Speaking at the CommunicAsia 2007 exhibition and conference, Michael Butler, President and COO of Inmarsat, said: "Less than a year ago, Inmarsat announced its intention to offer a handheld satellite phone service. Following our collaboration with ACeS, we have accelerated our entry into the market, and the first phase of commercial availability of our new handheld and fixed satellite phone services will begin on 16th July."

Inmarsat also recently announced the appointment of Axiom Telecom as the logistics and servicing partner for the new satellite phone services.

"Our new IsatPhone and LandPhone will offer a highly competitive proposition - in terms of hardware costs, airtime rates and service quality - and a strong combination of form and functionality. Together with our partners, and in combination with our market-leading portfolio of voice and data services, Inmarsat can deliver a unique customer offering that we believe will change the landscape of the mobile satellite market," said Butler.

Satellite phone operator GlobalStar (Wikipedia) is in trouble, reports Barrons.

Last night, the company filed an 8-K document with the SEC that spilled the beans - the transponders are deteriorating fast. GlobalStar believes the amplifier problem might relate to irradiation in orbit, but it isn’t entirely sure.

Previously, the company said the addition of eight spare satellites, planned for launch in 2007, would provide reliable service until a set of next-generation satellites were placed into service in 2009.

Now, it’s less optimistic:

Based on data recently collected from satellite operations, the Company has concluded that the degradation of the amplifiers is now occurring at a rate that is faster than previously experienced and faster than the Company had previously anticipated. To date the Company has been unable to correct the amplifier problem and may be unable to do so.

Based on its most recent analysis, the Company now believes that, if the degradation of the S-band antenna amplifiers continues at the current rate or further accelerates, and if the Company is unsuccessful in developing additional technical solutions, the quality of two-way communications services will decline, and by some time in 2008 substantially all of the Company’s currently in-orbit satellites will cease to be able to support two-way communications services.

As the number of in-orbit satellites with properly functioning S-band antenna decreases, despite a successful launch and optimized placement in orbit of the eight spare satellites in mid-2007, increasingly larger coverage gaps will recur over areas in which the Company currently provides two-way communication services.

Subscriber service will continue to be available, but at certain times in any given location it will take substantially longer to establish calls and the average duration of calls may be impacted adversely.

Globalstar uses eight orbital planes of six satellites, each at an operational altitude of 1,414 kilometers, inclined at 52 degrees, compared to the near-polar 86.4-degree orbits used by Iridium. Globalstar’s constellation of 48 satellites (and 4 spares) utilize simple “bent pipe” repeaters; unlike Iridium’s inter-satellite links.

International Satellite Services Inc. (ISS), a leading provider of "Worldwide Wireless Solutions" based in Naples, Florida is pleased to inform you that BGAN LaunchPad version 3.7.0 is now available for download from the International Satellite Services, Inc website here at "Software Downloads". You can also download this release through the BGAN LaunchPad Update feature from August 6, 2007.

Main Download Page

In preparation for the 2007 hurricane season, Iridium announces the introduction of a "Test-Your-Satellite-Phone" number that all Iridium subscribers can call free-of-charge.

By dialing +1(480)752-5105 from their satellite phone, Iridium subscribers can verify that their phone is working properly and familiarize themselves with the phone's operation - all free of charge. Callers will hear a recorded message confirming that their call was completed and offering quick tips on proper handset usage. This automated service allows subscribers to test their phones whenever and wherever they like. It is our hope that the service will be especially useful as a testing and training aid for first responders and travelers who may only use their phones infrequently.

Following the discovery of a streaming issue with the previous firmware update, both HNS and Inmarsat have spent over 5 days thoroughly testing this latest release. We hope this provides you with a level of comfort and confidence that this release is stable and will provide a seamless transition through the RAN 3 upgrade. We recognise the challenge that has been encountered through the recall of the previous upgrade, and offer our sincere apologies about the situation.

As you know, upgrade v3.6.1.5 is mandatory in order to provide HNS 9201 BGAN terminal users with continued service beyond the introduction of the forthcoming Inmarsat network upgrade.

The network upgrade is necessary for the launch of our FleetBroadband, SwiftBroadband and land vehicular BGAN services planned for the second half of 2007.

The HNS firmware must be used to update the terminals in order for them to operate over the two Inmarsat-4 satellites once the network upgrade is complete.

THRANE & THRANE PRESENTS ITS NEW EXPLORER 527 TERMINAL

At the Satellite 2006 show in Washington, to be held from February 6th – 9th 2006, Thrane & Thrane will present its third BGAN terminal, the EXPLORER 527, to the public.

The EXPLORER 527 is the world’s first land vehicular rack-mountable BGAN system. The system consists of a terminal and a tracking antenna. The EXPLORER 527 adds high-speed data transmission to phone and fax capabilities via satellite – on the move. With the transceiver connected to the rooftop tracking antenna your car, truck or other vehicle turns in to a true mobile communications post wherever you are and while driving.

The EXPLORER 527 offers the users the full BGAN package available including:

• Coms on the move
• Simultaneous voice and data communication over BGAN
• High-speed data transfer up to 464 kbps
• Seamless global coverage
• Support for streaming 32, 64 and 128 kbps
• Standard LAN and phone/fax interfaces
• Easy system setup and operation
• Robust, reliable and durable design

The first EXPLORER 527 terminals are expected to be shipped from Thrane & Thrane around the time that Inmarsat plans to launch the BGAN service on its second I4 satellite covering the Americas in mid 2006.

Thrane & Thrane is the sole supplier of the RAN (the BGAN Land Earth Stations), and since December 1, 2005 Thrane & Thrane have been selling its first BGAN terminal, the EXPLORER 500. The EXPLORER 500 is a very small, lightweight and compact high speed data and voice unit. Around the summer of 2006 Thrane & Thrane expects to start selling the EXPLORER™ 700 terminal, which is slightly larger than the EXPLORER 500 terminal and will offer maximum data speed of up to 492 kbps.

With the launch of the EXPLORER 527 Thrane & Thrane further strengthens its position as the worlds leading manufacturer of BGAN terminals and its dedication to the Inmarsat BGAN services. By introducing the EXPLORER 527 Thrane & Thrane is now able to offer its solutions covering numerous Land Mobile segments worldwide.