Press release
Inmarsat launches new satellite phone services
16-07-2007 - Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, has announced the commercial availability of its new range of low-cost satellite phone services.
From today, Inmarsat is offering the new handheld IsatPhone service and the fixed LandPhone service through eight distribution partners. IsatPhone, which is the first handheld satellite phone in the Inmarsat portfolio, is a dual-mode satellite/GSM 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 IsatPhone handset is lightweight and pocket-sized, and has a rugged design to cope with demanding environments. The service comes with additional features such as call hold/waiting, call forwarding, conference calls for up to five participants and, in GSM mode, SMS. The handsets are expected to retail at around $500, with voice call charges expected to cost less than $1 per minute.
LandPhone, a fixed satellite phone service, is designed for use as an office phone, temporary fixed phone or payphone in remote areas. Also with a robust design, the LandPhone is ideal for multi-user communities, and can be easily transported and set up indoors or in outdoor spaces.
The portfolio of satellite phone services will be completed in early Q4 2007 with the launch of FleetPhone, Inmarsat's new maritime satellite phone.
Initially available across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, the satellite phone services will be rolled-out globally - following an extensive network and terminal modernisation and development programme - towards the end of 2008.
"The launch of a new handheld satellite phone is an important move for Inmarsat, and is a strong complementary fit with our existing portfolio," said Michael Butler, President and Chief Operating Officer at Inmarsat. "We have entered the market at an opportune time. We have a compelling customer proposition, with the right balance of form, functionality and cost, and with the support of distribution partners in every market in the service footprint. Users of satellite phones will be able to experience the reliability and quality of service that has been our hallmark for the last 28 years. We intend to shake up the mobile satellite phone market and win market share."
"With IsatPhone, and together with the LandPhone and FleetPhone services, Inmarsat can now offer a one-stop shop for all mobile satellite communications needs, from mobile voice to broadband data," he said.
IsatPhone and LandPhone will initially be available from eight Inmarsat distribution partners: ACeS, Chinasat, Evosat, Fono, MCN, MVS, Satcom Global and Stratos. Inmarsat also recently announced the appointment of Axiom Telecom as the logistics and servicing partner for the new satellite phone services.
Forward-looking Statements
Certain statements in this announcement constitute 'forward-looking statements'
within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that
may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to
be materially different from those projected in the forward-looking statements.
These factors include: general economic and business conditions; changes in technology;
timing or delay in signing, commencement, implementation and performance of programmes,
or the delivery of products or services under them; structural change in the satellite
industry; relationships with customers; competition; and ability to attract personnel.
You are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements, which speak only
as of the date of this announcement. We undertake no obligation to update or
revise any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in our expectations or
any change in events, conditions or circumstances.
