Inmarsat creates alliance with Cisco

Satellite communications services firm Inmarsat and US networking company Cisco have formed a long-term alliance that will enable Inmarsat to deliver advanced services over its new high-throughput satellite broadband network, Global Xpress (GX).

The services will range from applications to business collaboration and video to multimedia content.

Cisco will provide Inmarsat with a satellite applications service delivery platform and a high performance access network for Inmarsat's Global Xpress programme, the first global Ka-band (the satellite transmission frequency) network with mobile connectivity. Cisco will also develop a router for satellite network end-users that will use not only the Inmarsat GX capabilities, but also the current BGAN global network.

Cisco will build and operate the network on a fully managed basis before transferring it to Inmarsat.

Rupert Pearce, Chief Executive Officer of Inmarsat, said: "Through these agreements with Cisco we are providing world-class infrastructure as a platform for our partners and us to offer services beyond pure satellite connectivity and this is a key aspect of our strategy for the future."

The service delivery platform is scheduled for service introduction in 2014.

The announcement of the collaboration with Cisco followed hot on the heels of a hook-up with US technology firm Honeywell; the two are to jointly provide business aviation satellite services via Inmarsat's Global Xpress satellite system.

Inmarsat's share price fell 1.11% to 581.50p by 15:01.

NR