Inmarsat today announced the launch of BGAN M2M, a new end-to-end IP data service targeting the growing global market for machine-to-machine communications.BGAN M2M provides a low-cost solution to support real-time M2M applications. The service is suitable for M2M applications that would typically send between 1Mb and 50Mb per terminal per month, offering a scalable solution for smart metering, SCADA, remote asset monitoring, meteorological and environmental data reporting, and other telemetry requirements.
The new fixed service will be targeted at a range of market sectors, including utilities, oil & gas, civil government and retail banking. BGAN M2M will be available from 15th February 2012 through existing BGAN distribution partners and service providers, offering value-added applications and service integration. The service launches with the Hughes 9502 BGAN M2M terminal, building on the highly-successful Hughes 9201-M2M product.
“BGAN M2M is a new service that is made-to-measure for the M2M market,” said Drew Brandy, Vice President – Industry, Inmarsat. “Its combination of hardware, airtime, service and support is optimised for the unique requirements of the M2M market, and will address a broad range of M2M needs.
“BGAN M2M runs on a stable satellite network that offers high reliability, and which is designed specifically for IP data. It extends the reach of M2M applications to cover infrastructure assets that are remote or geographically dispersed. Its end-to-end capability and its simple integration path complements other M2M services that use terrestrial communications. Ultimately it provides a business with confidence that its entire infrastructure and operations can leverage the benefits of M2M no matter where it is located.”
Beta testing for the new service was undertaken with a wide range of customers in Africa, Australia, Brazil, Canada, New Zealand and USA. “Feedback from the beta testing was excellent,” said Brandy. “We worked with market leaders across a number of sectors, and they were all impressed by the capability and reliability of BGAN M2M.
“BGAN M2M is an exciting new addition to our M2M portfolio, and will play a significant role in our M2M strategy. Inmarsat is now the only satellite provider to offer such a broad portfolio of global M2M capabilities, and it positions us well to target the rapidly growing market worldwide,” he said.
Inmarsat plc is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services. 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. Inmarsat employs around 1,500 staff in more than 40 locations around the world, with a presence in the major ports and centres of commerce on every continent. For the year ended 31st December 2010, Inmarsat plc had total revenue of US$1,171.6 million (2009: US$1,038.1 million) and an EBITDA of US$696.1 million (2009: US$594.2 million). Inmarsat is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:ISAT.L). For more information, please visit www.inmarsat.com/about.
