Inmarsat invests US$1.2bn in Ka-band network

Satellite operator Inmarsat has signed a contract for the delivery of three Ka-band satellites. They will create a constellation named Inmarsat-5 that will provide a global high-speed mobile broadband service.  

The operator said Inmarsat-5 will also support a network called Global Xpress aimed at the maritime, energy and government sectors. Inmarsat will target $500m (€379m) of annual Ka-band revenues five years after the service launches.  

Under a separate arrangement, Boeing has agreed to become a distribution partner for both Inmarsat’s Ka- and L-band services and has pre-committed to capacity purchases representing more than 10% of Inmarsat’s target Ka-band revenues in the first five years after global service launch.