Beam Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of World Reach Limited (WRR) announced that it has entered into an agreement with Inmarsat, the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, under which Beam has been appointed as the developer, manufacturer and distributor of docking units for its forthcoming IsatPhone Pro handheld satellite phone, planned for launch in June 2010. Inmarsat provides a range of voice and high-speed data communications services for use at sea, on land and in the air. Users of Inmarsat services include governments, international aid agencies and a wide range of commercial sectors, such as the broadcast media, oil and gas, construction, mining, maritime, and aeronautical industries. The agreement provides that Beam Communications will design, manufacture and distribute a range of specialised docking units
for IsatPhone Pro, Inmarsat’s first global handheld satellite phone. As well as a standard docking unit, Beam will produce vehicular and maritime versions, a version to accommodate indoor use. Inmarsat will provide Beam with a loan of up to US$3.18M to fund product development and initial working capital costs. This loan is to be repaid in installments equal to an agreed percentage of sales of these products by Beam or the supply of products directly to Inmarsat. The planned sales of the Inmarsat docking units is expected to commence in the first quarter of next financial year and is anticipated to exceed US$7M over the initial two – year period.
“Beam is a leading manufacturer of satellite docking units and equipment, with many years of experience, so we are delighted to have them working with us on our global handheld,” said Helen Stalker, Commercial Director of Global Satellite Phone Services for Inmarsat. “They are yet another best in – breed partner that we have secured to work on the ultimate combination that is IsatPhone Pro. The docking units that Beam provides will broaden the appeal of IsatPhone Pro to different markets, and extend its use in a wide range of environments and applications”.
Tags: Beam Communications, New contract, Satellite phones, Telecommunications, World Reach, WRR
