IsatPhone Pro full specification revealed for first time

13-04-2010 – The complete specification for IsatPhone Pro – Inmarsat’s new global handheld satellite phone - has been unveiled for the first time.

IsatPhone Pro, which is being launched in June, will offer users reliable global coverage, long battery life, a robust handset, clear voice quality and ease of use – all at a highly competitive price.

The overall specification is unmatched in the satellite phone market.

Longest battery life
IsatPhone Pro will offer the longest battery life available – with up to 8 hours talk time and up to 100 hours on standby.

It will be the most robust satellite phone available – dust, splash and shock resistant, with an Ingress protection rating of IP54 and capable of operating in the most extreme temperatures from -20°C to 55°C.

It is also the only satellite phone to support Bluetooth and the handset can be placed on its side to allow hands-free use. In terms of features, it will also have voicemail, text and email messaging, and location data will be available for users to look up or send in a text message.

Competitive airtime
The handset has an intuitive GSM-style interface with a high-visibility colour screen, and a larger keypad for easy dialling in gloves.

The suggested retail price for IsatPhone Pro is US$699, although pricing promotions are expected to bring the end-user price to US$500-600. In addition, it will offer competitive retail airtime rates of around US$1 per minute.

Helen Stalker, commercial director of Global Satellite Phone Services at Inmarsat, said: ”IsatPhone Pro raises the game in the satellite phone market. It works in just about any conditions, from rain storms to dust storms, from tropical humidity to freezing blizzard.

New distribution partners
“It has a long battery life you can rely on when you’re in the middle of nowhere, a totally reliable global network connection with clear voice quality, and it’s something that anyone can pick up and use. And users will get all of this at the most competitive price point in the market.

“What’s more, it comes from Inmarsat, the market leader with the only global satellite network with an operational life into the 2020s. This really is the ultimate combination.”

A total of thirteen distribution partners, covering all geographic markets around the world, have now been selected to sell IsatPhone Pro. This includes the two most recently confirmed partners – Korea Telecom and RRSat.

IsatPhone Pro is targeted primarily at professional users in the government, media, aid, oil and gas, mining and construction sectors.

Inmarsat selects Beam for IsatPhone Pro docking units

10-03-2010 – Beam Communications, a wholly-owned subsidiary of World Reach Limited, has been chosen to provide docking units for IsatPhone Pro, Inmarsat’s forthcoming hand-held satellite phone.

The Australian firm will design, manufacture and distribute a range of specialised docking units - including vehicular, maritime and indoor versions – for the handset, which is due for launch in June.

Inmarsat’s global satellite phone services (GSPS) commercial director Helen Stalker said: “Beam is a leading manufacturer of satellite docking units and equipment, with many years of experience and yet another best-in-breed partner that we have secured to work on IsatPhone Pro.

Global distribution channels
“The docking units that Beam provides will broaden the appeal of the handset to different markets, and extend its use in a wide range of environments and applications.”

Michael Capocchi, managing director of Beam Communications, said: “Securing this contract with Inmarsat to develop IsatPhone Pro docking units is a strategic opportunity to diversify our business and work with the world’s leading provider of mobile satellite communications.

“Inmarsat’s IsatPhone Pro will be distributed through many of Beam’s existing global distribution channels and is therefore extremely complementary to the existing business.”

IsatPhone Pro first call and images released

26-01-2010 – The first images of IsatPhone Pro have been released to coincide with the announcement of the first call to be made using the new global handheld phone.

IsatPhone Pro, which will be launched in June, will offer satellite telephony – with Bluetooth for hands-free use – as well as voicemail, text and email messaging. Location data will also be available to the user to look up or send in a text message.

“The first call is a significant milestone, and we’re pleased with the voice quality in initial tests,” said Helen Stalker, commercial director of Global Satellite Phone Services at Inmarsat.

Robust handset
“IsatPhone Pro is the ultimate combination. It’s a robust handset that’s easy to use, has long battery life, and offers a reliable global network connection.

“And it’s provided by Inmarsat, the market leader, with 30 years’ experience in providing global mobile satellite services.”

Isatphone Pro has successfully passed a number of key milestones ahead of its launch in June.

Ground network
The upgrade of Inmarsat’s ground network has been completed by Lockheed Martin, and further testing on the integration between the handset and the ground network continues as planned.

The handset itself has been developed by Sasken Communications Technologies, which has led similar programmes for most of the world’s top mobile phone operators.

Production of IsatPhone Pro is being undertaken by Elcoteq, the world’s third largest manufacturer of mobile phones, at its facility in Tallinn, Estonia.

Professional users
And distribution will be handled by 11 distribution partners, covering all geographic markets around the world. They include AST, China Telecom, Evosat, MCN, MVS, Network Innovations, NSSL, Satcom Global, SingTel, Stratos and Vizada.

Isatphone Pro is targeted initially at professional users in the government, media, aid, oil and gas, mining and construction sectors