The global market for broadband services is expanding rapidly as corporate and government users continually extend their online and networked activity. The definition of ‘broadband’ is also evolving; throughput speeds that once seemed superfast can now be found routinely in the workplace or at home.

Global Xpress is Inmarsat’s visionary response to this rapidly changing scene. As the next stage in the evolution of remote communications, our new Ka-band satellite service will support broadband connections at speeds comparable with terrestrial networks. And it will do so from compact, highly portable devices – while further enhancing Inmarsat’s reputation for outstanding quality, global coverage and seamless mobility.

Global Xpress will deliver seamless global coverage and unprecedented mobile broadband with downlink speeds up to 50Mbps to customer terminals from 20cm-60cm in size.

Global Xpress is a major new investment for growth. The service will be delivered on three Inmarsat-5 satellites, built by Boeing and based on its proven state-of-the-art 702HP Ka-band satellite generation.

We estimate that the total cost of the Inmarsat-5 and Global Xpress programme will be US $1.2 billion over 4.5 years. This will incorporate the fixed cost of the satellites, the cost of additional ground network infrastructure, product development, launch services and insurance. The programme is largely funded by our internally generated cash flows.

Global Xpress will enable us to address a US$1.4 billion incremental market opportunity in VSAT services, with a target of US$500 million of annual Ka-band revenues 5 years after the global service launch.

For more information, visit www.inmarsatgx.com