Inmarsat Awards Contract for GX-5 Ground Infrastructure to VT iDirect

VT iDirect, a company of VT Systems, announced that Inmarsat (LON: ISAT), the world’s leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, has awarded the ground infrastructure contract for Inmarsat’s fifth Global Xpress (GX-5) high-speed, broadband communications satellite to VT iDirect.

The iDirect Velocity® platform and iQ Series remotes support Inmarsat in delivering the high-speed broadband capabilities of GX-5 at a very low cost per bit. Inmarsat terminals will also be able to seamlessly switch between existing GX capacity and new GX-5 capacity. The agreement builds on a long-standing partnership and reflects Inmarsat’s strategy of adding capacity to its already established, unique, mobile global broadband network, supported by the iDirect Velocity platform, to meet growing customer demand.

VT iDirect’s next-generation technology enables interoperability between DVB-S2 and DVB-S2X which not only drives improved efficiencies but also delivers more Mbps directly to the aircraft or maritime vessel. This, combined with VT iDirect’s unique seamless beam switching and mobility feature set, powers Inmarsat’s state-of-the-art, uninterrupted, global connectivity service.

“VT iDirect’s partnership with Inmarsat focuses on bringing the latest development in high throughput satellite capacity to market, and we are honored to be chosen as the ground infrastructure provider for GX-5,” said Stephen Tunnicliffe, Vice President and General Manager, Global Service Provider Group, VT iDirect. “We are leading the next wave of innovation in mobility markets, enabling commercial airlines, maritime operators and mobility service providers in gaining a critical performance advantage to meet escalating customer demands.”

“With our partnership with VT iDirect and our game-changing network, Inmarsat will continue to empower airline and vessel passengers to experience onboard connectivity comparable to the mobile broadband services they receive on the ground,” said Jerome Soumagne, Vice President, Network Development at Inmarsat.

GX-5 is targeted for launch in 2019 and scheduled to enter commercial service in Q2 2020.

Inmarsat’s cabin Internet solutions have more than 1,300 commercial aircraft expected under signed contract. GX Aviation has been selected as the Inflight Connectivity (IFC) for a wide range of airlines across the world including Lufthansa Group, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, AirAsia Group, Avianca and Norwegian Air Shuttle. It is also the leading choice for business aviation aircraft.

Inmarsat is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services. 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. Inmarsat operates around the world, with a presence in the major ports and centres of commerce on every continent. Inmarsat is listed on the London Stock Exchange (ISAT.L). For more information, please visit www.inmarsat.com.

The Inmarsat press release newsfeed and corporate updates are on @InmarsatGlobal.

VT iDirect, a subsidiary of VT Systems, is a global leader in IP-based satellite communications providing technology and solutions that enable our partners worldwide to optimize their networks, differentiate their services and profitably expand their businesses. For more than 20 years, the VT iDirect organization has focused on meeting the economic and technology challenges across the satellite industry. Today, the product portfolio, branded under the name iDirect, sets new standards in performance and efficiency, making it possible to deliver voice, video and data connectivity anywhere in the world. VT iDirect is the world’s largest TDMA enterprise VSAT manufacturer and is the leader in key industries including mobility, military/government and cellular backhaul. In 2007, iDirect Government was formed to better serve the U.S. government and defense communities. For more information please visit www.iDirect.net.

VT Systems is an engineering company providing integrated solutions to the commercial and government markets in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors. VT Systems’ innovative solutions, products and services include aircraft maintenance, repair and modification; software solutions in training and simulation; satellite-based IP communications technology; network solutions that integrate data, voice and video; rugged computers and computer peripheral equipment; specialized truck bodies and trailers; weapons and munitions systems; road construction equipment; and ship design and shipbuilding. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., VT Systems operates globally and is a wholly owned subsidiary of ST Engineering. Please visit www.vt-systems.com.