Share

Inmarsat’s portfolio of mobile satellite solutions for broadcasters on display at NAB 2014

Preview of IsatHub, the next generation of satellite-powered, personal connectivity services

IsatPhone 2, the latest development in Inmarsat’s satphone portfolio

BGAN HDR, delivering superior video streaming quality in symmetric and asymmetric modes

As NAB 2014 opens its doors, Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT.L), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, is on-hand showcasing its full portfolio of resilient L-band satellite services designed specifically with broadcasters and media organisations in mind.

Small, discrete, powerful; IsatHub previews at NAB

At this year’s show, the company is providing the first chance for broadcasters to see IsatHub, a smart device connectivity service that will enable journalists and broadcasters in the field to access the full functionality of their Android or iOS phones and tablets outside the range of cellular or fixed networks.

Extremely simple to use, IsatHub can be activated through a pre-installed App on the user’s smartphone, which is connected, via Wi-Fi, to a small, highly-portable and lightweight terminal measuring just 17.9cm by 17cm (approx. 7ins x 7ins). The IsatHub terminal was developed by Inmarsat’s manufacturing partner AddValue.

Once connected to Inmarsat’s global 3G network, users can use their phone to talk, text and access the Internet as they would do normally, up to a range of 100m from the IsatHub terminal.  Up to 10 people can share the same connection.

IsatHub is the only ‘satellite-powered’ personal connectivity device to offer a similar service experience that smart device users have come to expect, with real-time IP broadband data at speeds up to 384kbps.  This is an order of magnitude greater than products available from other satellite network operators.

“IsatHub will empower journalists to take their audiences with them, wherever the news is breaking,” said Martin Turner, Head of Inmarsat’s media business.

IsatHub is delivered over the Inmarsat-4 network, the same fleet that powers the award-winning BGAN service, and is scheduled for launch by mid-year 2014.

Next generation of satphone

IsatPhone 2, introduced to the market last month, is the next generation of Inmarsat’s highly successful handheld satellite phone, which debuted in 2010 and has sold over 150,000 units worldwide.

The advanced handheld satellite phone offers dependable, high-quality voice calls, text and email messaging outside of cellular and fixed network coverage.  With a rugged handset design and an industry-leading eight hours of talk time (160 hours on standby), IsatPhone 2 joins Inmarsat’s top-selling IsatPhone Pro as the latest addition to the company’s handheld satellite phone portfolio, offering customers a choice of phone depending on their requirements and budget.

Among its wide range of features, IsatPhone 2 provides an assistance button, which in an emergency sends GPS location data, together with a user-defined text message, to a pre-programmed number or email address.  Additionally, the new satphone includes a tracking capability, which can be used to show a user’s location on an interactive map. Both the emergency and tracking features offer peace of mind to journalists and broadcasters whose jobs take them into volatile locations, providing the reassurance that the alarm can be raised at any time and that their location may be easily identified.

Inmarsat’s latest satphone has IK04 & IP65 rating and is dust, splash and shock resistant. It operates in a temperature range from -20°C to +55°C with a humidity tolerance up to 95 percent.

BGAN HDR – delivering a new standard in video streaming quality

BGAN HDR is also on show at NAB.  The higher data rate streaming service, which was launched commercially last December (2013), has been in high demand by broadcasters across the world.

BGAN HDR supports a portfolio of four channel streaming rates, including symmetric and asymmetric options, ensuring that broadcasters only pay for the data they require.  With its full channel option, BGAN HDR users can expect to see an average speed of 600-700kbps, with users in the field reporting speeds over 800kbps.

The compact, lightweight and highly portable Cobham SATCOM EXPLORER 710 terminal, combined with optimised codecs, delivers a step-change in video quality for broadcasters, which is defining a new standard in live TV broadcasting.

“It has been an exciting year for Inmarsat’s media business marked by the commercial service launch of BGAN HDR, which is proving to be a game-changing service for broadcasters,” said Martin Turner, Head of Inmarsat’s media business. “In the months since launch, we have seen enthusiastic uptake by international broadcasters who have already used BGAN HDR in places like the Philippines, South Africa and Antarctica to change how their audiences experience breaking news.

“Inmarsat has long been the premier mobile satellite operator for broadcasters across the globe. But what’s really exciting is the pace of innovation, which means we can meet the evolving needs of the reporter in the field and enhance the quality of live-streamed video content. With BGAN HDR, IsatPhone 2 and IsatHub, media users can stay connected wherever they are and be confident in a network backed by Inmarsat’s renowned reliability.”

Inmarsat’s NAB stand is located in the Upper South Hall #2324.

Further information

About Inmarsat

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 1,600 staff in more than 60 locations around the world, with a presence in the major ports and centres of commerce on every continent. Inmarsat is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:ISAT.L). For more information, please visit www.inmarsat.com.

The Inmarsat press release newsfeed is on Twitter @Inmarsatnews and corporate updates are on @Inmarsat_plc.

Jonathan Sinnatt
Head of Corporate Communications
+44 (0)20 7728 1935
[email protected]

Greg Kalish
GK Communications for Inmarsat at NAB
+1 516 665 3292
[email protected]