Inmarsat and Cisco have joined forces to share network capacity and technology to make it easier to deliver applications and services over satellite networks.
The deal will allow Inmarsat to deliver advanced services, including video and multimedia content over its new high-throughput satellite broadband network Global Xpress (GX).
Cisco will provide Inmarsat with a satellite applications service delivery platform and a high performance access network for Inmarsat’s Global Xpress programme. Cisco will also develop a router for satellite network end-users that will use not only Inmarsat GX capabilities but also its existing broadband global area network (BGAN).
Cisco will build and operate the network on a fully managed basis before transferring it to Inmarsat. The network will support voice, video, cloud application services and high speed internet access.
The GX/BGAN integrated platform will see Inmarsat becoming a global partner for Cisco, and both companies will offer combined service capabilities to Inmarsat’s value added resellers around the world.
Rupert Pearce, CEO of Inmarsat, said: “Through this agreement we are providing world-class infrastructure as a platform for our partners and for us to offer services beyond pure satellite connectivity. This is a key aspect of our strategy for the future.”
The new services will be launched in 2014. Rob Lloyd, president for development and sales at Cisco, said: “Imagine watching on demand TV in an aircraft, using telepresence on an oil rig in the middle of the ocean, or accessing cost effective HD TV broadcasting from any location.”
Earlier this year LightSquared defaulted on a $56.25 million (£35.5 million) payment due under a 2007 wireless spectrum cooperation agreement with Inmarsat, to provide LTE-based broadband services in the US.
