Inmarsat and Pivotel Satellite to provide Australia-wide smart device connectivity service even in the most remote locations

Inmarsat and Pivotel Satellite to provide Australia-wide smart device connectivity service even in the most remote locations

Users stay completely connected by adding a satellite service to their smartphone or tablet, even in the most remote locations

LONDON, 23-Mar-2017 — /EuropaWire/ — Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT.L) today launched a game-changing new service with Pivotel Satellite, Australia’s leading provider of mobile satellite solutions. The service enables smart device owners in Australia, beyond the reach of terrestrial mobile and fixed networks, to stay completely connected, even in the most remote locations.

The new service, IsatHub, targets the vast land mass of Australia that is not covered by the major telecommunications companies. For example, while Telstra, Australia’s largest telecommunications provider, has a mobile network that reaches 99 per cent of Australia’s population, it currently only covers 31 per cent of the country^[1]. This presents significant connectivity challenges for people who regularly travel outside of coverage areas.

The IsatHub service addresses this by providing the most powerful, personal smart device connectivity service available and enables end users to extend their network coverage through true broadband connectivity wherever they are. Users can quickly and easily connect their smart devices so that they can surf the internet, access their apps and text or talk, even when they are hundreds of miles outside a terrestrial fixed or mobile network.  This means that backpackers travelling in remote locations can stay completely connected, benefitting from the ability to communicate with family and friends, check the weather forecast, and know they can call for help when they would otherwise be out of reach.

The IsatHub connects smart devices by providing a satellite signal, connecting to the outside world via the award-winning Inmarsat-4 (I-4) mobile communications satellite constellation.

The service offers the highest broadband connectivity of any equivalent mobile satellite service with standard IP data up to 384/240 kbps.

Connectivity anywhere

Paul Gudonis, President, Inmarsat Enterprise, said: “Pivotel has a heritage in offering solutions that are simple and cost effective, making them the ideal partner to distribute our IsatHub service. Pivotel’s end users can now benefit from the assurance of reliable connectivity for their devices, wherever they are, all whilst maintaining their own identity and browsing habits. This service is particularly useful for travellers and adventurers who are increasingly expecting higher levels of connectivity so they can share their experiences in real time, stay connected via social media and communicate with family and friends. Now, if you are travelling in an isolated location with poor or non-existent mobile signal, you have the guarantee of smart connectivity.”

The new agreement makes the terminal, from Inmarsat’s manufacturing partner AddValue Technologies, the first terminal that is compatible with that of cellular telecommunications operators, on top of the Inmarsat network. This means that Pivotel and all future roaming partners can now offer their customers the most lightweight and portable terminal of the Inmarsat family.

Maintain identity

With Pivotel, the IsatHub will use a standard “04” Australian mobile number. This means the cost to call an IsatHub service is the same as calling a standard Australian mobile number, in many cases this is a free call. Typically, users are charged $19.99/min^[2] by their local mobile operator if they use another local telecommunications phone to reach a satellite operator device in Australia.

Peter Bolger, CEO at Pivotel, said: “By working with Inmarsat, Pivotel is able to address the need for portable satellite broadband connectivity in the Australian market and deliver a quality IsatHub service that also supports voice calling using a standard “04” Australian mobile number. The IsatHub is a great addition to Pivotel’s suite of services and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Inmarsat to bring high quality, affordable and innovative connectivity solutions to Australian customers.”

^{[1] https://www.telstra.com.au/aboutus/community-environment/community-programs/rural-regional}

^{[2] https://www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/personal/consumer-advice/pdf/business-b/othercalltypes.pdf}

About Inmarsat
Inmarsat plc 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 organizations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air. Inmarsat operates in more than 60 locations 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.

About Pivotel Group
Pivotel Group is a leading Australian provider of satellite mobile technology including satellite phones, satellite broadband, personal and asset trackers, docking kits, M2M connections and maritime communication. Its experienced network of engineers, application developers and account managers ensure Pivotel Group’s licensed carrier network is directly interconnected with all of the major mobile satellite operators to provide the most extensive range of satellite voice, data, personal safety and asset monitoring solutions.

With its head office located on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Pivotel Group is an Australian owned company currently employing over 55 staff supporting in excess of 160,000 end customer services. For more information on Pivotel and how to subscribe to their services, visit www.pivotel.com.au.

For further information

SOURCE: Inmarsat plc.