Worldwide broadband

Last December,

launched its Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN), a mobile communications service that provides voice and broadband data simultaneously, claiming that it was the first to offer guaranteed IP data rates on demand.

Delivered via the Inmarsat-4 satellites, the service is initially available across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Following the successful launch of Inmarsat's second I-4 satellite on November 8, network coverage will be extended to North and South America from Q2, 2006.

The two I-4 satellites will deliver broadband coverage across 85% of the world's landmass and be available to 98% of the world's population.

BGAN offers IP data speeds of up to 492kbps, with the option of guaranteed data rates up to 256kbps. It enables users to access their corporate network via a secure VPN connection, use e-mail and other office applications, browse the Internet, send large file attachments, stream video or audio - and make a phone call at the same time. It also supports a range of encryption standards for secure communications.

The service is accessed through a range of lightweight satellite terminals - the smallest is about half the size of a laptop. BGAN terminals can be connected in minutes using wired or wireless connections, including Bluetooth and WLAN 802.11b.