PR releases

Inmarsat launches broadband global area network - BGAN

7th December 2005 - Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, has announced the successful launch of its Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) service. Six years in development, BGAN is the world's first mobile communications service to provide both voice and broadband data simultaneously through a truly portable device on a global basis. It is also the first to offer guaranteed IP data rates on demand.

Delivered via the Inmarsat-4s - the world's most advanced commercial communications 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 8th November, network coverage will be extended to North and South America during Q2 2006. The two I-4 satellites will deliver seamless broadband coverage across 85 per cent of the world's land mass and be available to 98 per cent of the world's population.

"BGAN delivers broadband where other networks can't," said Michael Butler, Chief Operating Officer, Inmarsat. "It enables anyone to set up a broadband mobile office in minutes and remain fully productive - wherever they are on the planet."

BGAN offers IP data speeds of up to 492kbps, with the option of guaranteed data rates up to 256kbps. The service is designed for mobile users who want dependable, secure broadband access when working in locations with an unreliable or non-existent telecoms infrastructure.

BGAN enables users to access their corporate network via a secure VPN connection, use email 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. BGAN can be used by single users or small teams wherever and whenever reliable voice and broadband data communications are needed.

"Once again, through Inmarsat's ongoing commitment to innovation, we have established a new benchmark for our industry," said Butler. "Today's launch marks a key milestone in our vision to deliver broadband for a mobile planet".

Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These factors include: general economic and business conditions; changes in technology; timing or delay in signing, commencement, implementation and performance of programmes, or the delivery of products or services under them; structural change in the satellite industry; relationships with customers; competition; and ability to attract personnel. You are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this announcement. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances.

About Inmarsat Inmarsat plc is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications. Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing reliable voice and high-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and other organisations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air. The company's services are delivered through a world-class network of leading telecom groups. Inmarsat listed on the London Stock Exchange in June 2005, with the ticker symbol ISAT. For the half-year ended 30 June 2005, total revenue was $253.6 million, with operating profit of $122.1 million. More information can be found at http://www.inmarsat.com/.