Inmarsat wins European S-band spectrum award
14-05-2009 - Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, today confirmed it has been selected by the European Commission (EC) to operate a Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) system in Europe under the co-ordinated European S-Band Application Process.
Inmarsat's S-band satellite programme, known as EuropaSat, aims to deliver next-generation telecommunications services across all 27 member states of the European Union - and as far east as Moscow and Ankara - by means of a hybrid satellite/terrestrial network. These new services are expected to include mobile multimedia broadcast, mobile broadband and next-generation MSS services for consumers, enterprise and institutional users throughout Europe, including those in remote and rural areas.
Inmarsat has already assembled a world-class set of partnerships with third parties to provide essential design and manufacturing services, technology and infrastructure support, including Thales Alenia Space for the EuropaSat satellite, International Launch Services for the launch vehicle, and a number of leading suppliers of ground segment services and end user products.
"We would like to congratulate the European Commission on its effective, innovative and fair approach to making the pan-European S-band awards," said Rupert Pearce, Senior Vice President, Inmarsat Enterprises. Pearce commented, "We are delighted to be the recipient of this award, which we regard as an essential prerequisite supporting our ambitions to continue to be at the forefront of mobile satellite service innovation in Europe and to drive growth in our business and to create value for our shareholders. On the back of this award, we will look to pursue the commercial partnerships necessary to ensure that the returns from the required investment in our S-band programme will generate acceptable returns on capital without undue risks or uncertainties."
Inmarsat Plc, press release