Inmarsat unveils three new services for the mobile journalist

IsatHub, IsatPhone 2 and Bonded BGAN HDR star attractions for IBC 2014

12 September 2014 - Inmarsat is introducing a step-change in global connectivity services for journalists with three new solutions at IBC 2014 - IsatHub, IsatPhone 2 and Bonded BGAN HDR - which combine to offer the company's most powerful ever portfolio of mobile voice and broadband data services.

Inmarsat's advanced mobile satellite communication services have been pushing the boundaries of news gathering for more than 20 years with innovations such as BGAN, which  has enabled broadcasters to deliver live news from the most remote and hostile regions on Earth.

IsatHub - first 'live' demonstration at IBC

Being publicly demonstrated 'live' for the first time in Europe, IsatHub is a unique Inmarsat service; it enables journalists to connect their smart device to a global 3G service anywhere in the world, using a terminal that is approximately the size of a paperback book.

Designed specifically for use in remote locations, the IsatHub service allows journalists to blog, tweet, talk and text and use all their familiar apps when beyond the reach of terrestrial mobile and fixed networks.  Using the Wideye iSavi terminal from AddValue, which connects smart devices up to 30m (100ft) away, IsatHub offers the highest data rate of any equivalent mobile satellite service with standard IP data up to 240/384kbps (send/receive).

Downloading the IsatHub voice app provides access to its dedicated high quality voice line, even on devices that are Wi-Fi use only, such as the iPod Touch.

Bonded BGAN HDR - achieving near VSAT speeds

Following significant interest from broadcasters for the advanced BGAN HDR service, which with its full channel option achieves an average speed of 600-700kbps (users in the field are reporting speeds over 800kbps), Inmarsat is showcasing the near VSAT speeds of its Bonded BGAN HDR option.

Being demonstrated on stand using two Cobham EXPLORER 710s, Bonded BGAN HDR essentially doubles the available streaming rate without requiring any external routers or devices.  Bonded BGAN HDR defines a new standard in live TV broadcasting; delivering throughput over 1Mbps from 2 highly portable devices that fit in a backpack.

New BGAN terminal

Also on display at IBC is the new Hughes 9211-HDR. This highly compact (228mm X 292mm) BGAN terminal integrates the features of the Hughes 9202, but 'supercharges' it for both higher speed BGAN performance and for delivering the asymmetric BGAN HDR service. Featuring a 'one-button' Internet connection, the Hughes 9211-HDR is designed to be easy to point without the use of a laptop, enabling users to get online in just a few seconds.

IsatPhone 2 - with in-built emergency assistance button

Launched earlier this year, IsatPhone 2 joins Inmarsat's top-selling IsatPhone Pro as the latest addition to the company's handheld satellite phone portfolio.  This advanced, handheld satellite phone, offers dependable, high quality voice calls, text and email messaging outside of cellular and fixed network coverage.  Its rugged handset design and an industry-leading eight hours of talk time (160 hours on standby), is ideally suited to journalists in-the-field.

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.

In addition to being dust, splash and shock resistant1, IsatPhone 2 operates in a temperature range from -20°C to +55°C with a humidity tolerance up to 95 percent, and features a toughened Gorilla glass display.

Further details of Inmarsat's portfolio of services to power mobile journalism can be found at http://www.inmarsat.com/powering-mobile-journalism/.

IsatPhone 2 has IK04 & IP65 rating.

For further information
Katie Potts
PR Manager
+44 (0)20 7728 1492
katie.potts@inmarsat.com
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).

The Inmarsat press release newsfeed and corporate updates are on @InmarsatGlobal.

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