US deal creates first pre-paid global satellite network

30 August 2012: A PRE-PAID option will be available for voice calls and data sessions that originate in the US from 1 September 2012 on all existing Inmarsat land and maritime services — including IsatPhone Pro, FleetPhone, BGAN and FleetBroadband.

This follows an agreement with Freedom Wireless Holdings Inc. and makes Inmarsat the only mobile satellite operator licensed to offer pre-paid services in the US, meaning Inmarsat can now offer pre-paid services globally.

This further strengthens Inmarsat's position as the world-leading provider of mobile satellite communications and emphasises its commitment to meeting customers' needs.

Simplifying comms
"Many customers use their satellite services across multiple markets and have been frustrated by being unable to  use pre-paid services while in the US and its territorial waters," said Jim Parm, President of Inmarsat Solutions.

"With this breakthrough announcement we are simplifying communications for our users,” he added.

"IsatPhone Pro users can now be contacted using a single phone number wherever  they are located and use just one device for their global communications, while FleetBroadband  customers can now travel in and out of US territorial waters on pre-paid plans."