Inmarsat defies downturn

Abdul Aziz · #1 26-11-2008, 12:13 AM

Inmarsat defies downturn

THE global financial meltdown has not dampened Inmarsat's plans for the final leg of its $US1.6 billion satellite network, to provide service Australia-wide.
Inmarsat satellites are usually used to transmit voice, data and video footage from remote areas. TV news bulletins sent via satellite phones usually use the company's facilities.

On the ground, users have to be equipped with an Inmarsat terminal to communication with the satellite.

These terminals cost $13,000 in the past but are $10,000 cheaper today.

Inmarsat has two satellites that provide broadband services in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, North and South America, and parts of Australia's west coast.

The company was expanding because of high demand from the east coast, Inmarsat spokeswoman Lisa Wagner said.

A third satellite, due to go live in February, would enable Inmarsat to offer broadband services for the whole country, she said.

The economic crisis had no effect on its expansion plans.

In fact, Inmarsat's local partners were experiencing a wave of interest from the government sector.

"We're recession-resistant," Ms Wagner said.

"We offer essential communications, not frivolous communications.

"We already have meetings lined up with potential customers and we'll be dispatching 12 executives from our international offices to Australia to speak with them.

"In Australia we're also keeping an eye out for partners in the logistics sector."

Inmarsat does not have a local office but works through its four partners.

Local Inmarsat customers include ABC TV, government agencies and departments, Qantas, border patrol authorities, and mining and construction firms.

The US and Australian army uses Inmarsat for communication purposes in Iraq.

In the airline industry Emirates and Ryan Air are rolling out services for passengers to use their mobile phones in-flight for voice and data via Inmarsat satellites.

The service can be switched on or off according to what the cabin crew determines to be acceptable.

"The crew can also determine timing for when mobile phones can be used ... say for two hours after breakfast, then they can turn off the service," she said.

Qantas is currently testing on-board mobile phones, while the US President's aircraft Air Force One features Inmarsat functionality.

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