Inmarsat supports charitable adventurer with voice and data communications during 60-day stay on isolated ocean rock

Leading global satellite communications provider Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT.L) is lending its support to adventurer Nick Hancock who has taken up residence on the most isolated oceanic rock in the world and is three weeks into his attempt to set multiple endurance records while raising money for the Help for Heroes charitable organisation.

On June 5, Nick ascended the granite islet of Rockall in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, 230 miles from the nearest landmass, with plans to live there alone for a total of 60 days. Inmarsat has equipped Nick with the BGAN HDR terminal manufactured by Cobham SATCOM and its partner, Wireless Innovations has supplied Nick with Inmarsat’s latest satellite phone, IsatPhone 2. Inmarsat is providing Nick with airtime, giving him voice and broadband data connectivity throughout the duration of his time on the uninhabited islet.

“We are proud to support Nick in his efforts to not only surpass impressive endurance records but, more importantly, raise money for a worthy cause,” said Ronald Spithout, President, Inmarsat Enterprise. “Nick’s time on Rockall will also demonstrate the reliability and robustness of two of Inmarsat’s newest services. IsatPhone 2 and BGAN HDR will allow Nick to have constant communications in spite of his isolated location, enabling the rest of us to share in his experiences through social media, online and broadcast as his efforts have captured the interest of international TV channels.”

IsatPhone 2, the latest Inmarsat handheld satellite phone launched earlier this year, offers unrivaled voice quality and reliability across the globe and in some of the harshest environments, such as the one Nick will reside in for two months. Features include a longer-lasting battery, the ability to receive calls when the antenna is not deployed and an assistance button for emergencies. Perhaps most important in Nick’s case, the phone is water-resistant and splash proof.

BGAN HDR, the high data rate streaming service debuted last year, will allow Nick to broadcast live from the rock as well as provide updates on his status and experiences to Facebook and his blog, all via a lightweight, compact and easily deployable terminal. Nick also intends to use BGAN HDR to transmit film footage that will ultimately be used for a documentary.

“It’s been amazing to have Inmarsat come on board with this project,” said Hancock. “They have very quickly become an integral and highly valued part of what makes this expedition work. The provision of satellite communications will hopefully enable me to raise more funds for the expedition’s charity, Help for Heroes.

Hancock continues: “On a personal level, to be able to speak to my loved ones face-to-face is priceless and has had a massive impact on my morale up to this point.”

Help for Heroes is a UK-based charity which aims to help British servicemen and women who have been wounded in conflict. By living on Rockall for 60 days and by sharing his experiences using the connectivity capabilities providing by the Inmarsat network, Hancock hopes to assist in raising awareness and funds for the charity.