Inmarsat Selects EMS Technologies To Design Global Satellite Phone

Atlanta -- EMS Technologies, Inc. reported that, under an agreement with Inmarsat Global Ltd., its SATCOM Division will design Inmarsat's next-generation dual-mode satellite and GSM mobile phone. The contract, which expands EMS's market focus beyond aeronautical broadband, is for approximately $26 million.

The new phone will support both terrestrial GSM and GMR-2+ satellite operation, and using an omni antenna will detect whether a user is in a cellular coverage area and, if not, automatically switch to the global satellite network. As part of Inmarsat's phased rollout of the service, the design will also allow Inmarsat to better manage Inmarsat's I-4 spot-beam allocations.

"Inmarsat has always believed in the importance of strong partnerships in its pursuit of delivering global mobile communications and becoming a one-stop provider of mobile voice and broadband satellite communications," says Andrew Sukawaty, Chairman and CEO of Inmarsat. "EMS's proven expertise in satellite communications technology made them the best choice to develop this second-generation product. The combination of the third I-4 satellite launch in early 2008 and this dual-mode handset will allow us to continue our planned roll-out on a global scale."

Using state-of-the-art technology developed and integrated by EMS, the phone will be built around a core module that can be incorporated into other terminals for mobile applications. Offering global reach, low cost, a small form-factor, GPS functionality, and both GSM and satellite modes, the core module is expected to be ideally suited for maritime, land, military and possibly even aeronautical applications.

"Developing this new satellite phone is an important opportunity for EMS," says EMS Technologies' President and CEO, Paul Domorski. "We are evolving our proven mobile satellite communications technology for substantial new markets. These include corporate and small- to medium-sized enterprises, as well as regional markets composed of individual users and remote field workers. Leveraging our expertise, we are taking another step in achieving our vision of ubiquitous mobile communications, and we sincerely appreciate Inmarsat's confidence in our capabilities."

EMS SATCOM Vice President & General Manager Gary Hebb said, "We have assembled a global team for this development. Our Tewkesbury (U.K.), Adelaide (Australia) and Ottawa (Ontario) offices, along with subcontractors on three continents, will all have roles in this project. This endeavor immediately puts our investment in DSpace to work, by applying its high-performance satellite-modem expertise. Beyond the development of the phone itself, and with the experience we gain in design for high volumes, we expect to develop a wide range of specialized products utilizing the core module."

The new phone will offer voice, 2.4 kbps data services, and text messaging. The current phase of Inmarsat's satellite phone service is focused on the Asia, Middle East and Africa regions.

SOURCE: EMS Technologies, Inc.