Inmarsat facilities now cover the world

Dubai: Inmarsat, a UK-based, global mobile satellite services provider, launched a $1.5 billion (Dh5.5 billion) satellite recently to complete its worldwide broadband mobile coverage.

Samer Halawi, vice-president of strategic corporate development, told Gulf News that their third Inmarsat-4 satellite covers the remaining 15 per cent gap over the Pacific Ocean.

The satellite will deliver telephone and high-speed data communications to all parts of the world, while its broadband global area network (BGAN) technology will extend its 3G technology to areas not served by 3G networks and those with no telecom infrastructure.

The advanced connection will allow uninterrupted streaming of live video feeds from remote locations.

The company currently has 240,000 active subscribers, and total registered users exceed 500,000.

On the growing number of satellite phone users, Halawi said they are becoming cheaper, smaller, easier to operate, as well as an enhancement in services available.

Speaking on the cost of using a satellite phone, Halawi said it is below average roaming charges for a mobile phone.

Since the company's investments have already been made in the satellites, with a lifespan of over 15 years, Halawai said that they are immune to the global financial crisis.

"It has actually been beneficial because of its negative impact of our competitors," he said.

The company's revenues have grown 15 per cent in the last year, while the year before saw average growth of only four per cent.

Listed on the London Stock Exchange, the company had revenues of $576.5 million last year.