France Telecom Signs BGAN Agreement with Inmarsat

On August 18, France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications and Inmarsat signed the first distribution agreement for the new BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) service. On its launch in H2 2005, BGAN will be the first mobile satellite communications solution to offer global coverage with data rates of up to 432 Kbps. Initially developed for land-based markets, maritime and aero versions of BGAN are currently planned for commercial launch in 2007. The service will be available via a portfolio of small, portable terminals, offering guaranteed throughputs at various speeds. Voice communications and data transfer via a 64 Kbps ISDN channel will also be possible. Inmarsat has also selected France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications as primary “IP interconnect” and “business support systems” test partner. This will see the two companies actively co-operate in developing and testing billing, provisioning and customer support services for the BGAN service. France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications will also be the primary technical test partner for BGAN interconnection of IP networks and value-added service platforms. The test phase will begin as soon as Q3 2004.