Inmarsat Highlights SwiftBroadband Development Plans

Inmarsat, a provider of global mobile satellite communications services, has unveiled details of the latest updates to its enhanced SwiftBroadband functionality.

The enhanced capabilities, which will become available in 2013, include the introduction of high data rate technology, delivering up to 700kbps of IP data streaming per channel, SwiftBroadband services optimized for helicopters and key steps to the availability of safety services over SwiftBroadband (in addition to the existing Inmarsat safety services).

SwiftBroadband-based safety services will bring prioritized IP connectivity to the cockpit, while reducing the cost of satellite ACARS messaging by at least 30%, Inmarsat says.

In 2013 Inmarsat will also launch Alphasat I-XL satellite. Alphasat will supplement Inmarsat's current series of I-4 satellites, providing additional SwiftBroadband capacity over Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

David Coiley, Inmarsat Vice President, Aviation, said, “It is clear SwiftBroadband will continue to be a key technology platform for the entire aviation market, and in particular building on Inmarsat success in the business and general aviation. Inmarsat remains committed to L-band for the long term and our SwiftBroadband platform complements the introduction of our Ka-band GX Aviation services from first quarter 2015, giving Inmarsat the most powerful, flexible and capable portfolio of satellite communications services for aviation now and in the future, bar none.”

Inmarsat has also confirmed the timetable for the launch of GX Aviation, its global Ka-band service. The first of the three I-5 satellites, currently under construction by Boeing, will be launched in the second half of 2013, followed by the other two at six month intervals. GX Aviation will be available from early 2015.

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