SpeedCast International (ASX: SDA), a leading global communications and network service provider, is the first Inmarsat partner to integrate the software element of the Fleet Xpress Network Service Device (SoftNSD) into its Fleet Xpress offering.

This allows third party application providers to develop and publish innovative, content-rich applications over Fleet Xpress, such as the real-time analysis of data, including engine monitoring, weather information and fuel consumption rates. These applications can deliver real benefits in operational efficiency, safety and compliance, IT security and crew welfare.

The integration of the software element of the Fleet Xpress Network Service Device will also allow SpeedCast to build value added solutions and applications over SIGMA Gateway. SIGMA Gateway is a powerful, industrial-grade network management device designed for ships and remote sites, providing automated and efficient management of multiple WAN links and offering a scalable platform designed to evolve and enable business applications on-board.

“This integration demonstrates SpeedCast’s strength and speed at integrating new technologies, and reaffirms its status as one of the leading players in the maritime industry,” said Ronald Spithout, President, Inmarsat Maritime. “Fully integrating the software element of the Network Service Device into SIGMA Gateway will remove hardware from the below deck rack and will allow SpeedCast to develop their own value added solutions for the maritime community within the infrastructure of Fleet Xpress. With the SoftNSD now commercially available we are entering a new era of the connected ship and Inmarsat, together with its partners, are powering a new world of value added applications to drive efficiencies, support crew welfare and enhance safety and compliance.”

Athina Vezyri, Executive Vice President, Maritime, of SpeedCast commented, “SpeedCast is the first to integrate a SoftNSD, which demonstrates our commitment to bringing innovative and market-leading solutions to our customers. Over the coming years, we expect Fleet Xpress to be one of the key components of our maritime product portfolio and look forward to watching many of our customers benefit from the service.”

Last year SpeedCast and Inmarsat announced a strategic partnership to roll out Fleet Xpress to approximately 2,000 vessels over the next five years. The Fleet Xpress service is powered by the Global Xpress Ka-band network, combined with the proven reliability of Inmarsat’s flagship FleetBroadband L-band service for unlimited backup. Fleet Xpress delivers high data speeds, continuous connectivity and guaranteed performance, setting a new standard for maritime global communications with crew welfare, regulatory and operational drivers at the heart.

For further information:

Phillip Parker
Marketing Director
phillip.parker@speedcast.com
+1 832 668 2777

Jonathan Sinnatt
Director of Corporate Communications
jonathan.sinnatt@inmarsat.com
+44 (0)20 7728 1935

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 employs around 1,600 staff 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 (LSE:ISAT.L).

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

About SpeedCast International Limited

SpeedCast International Limited (ASX: SDA) is a leading global communications and network service provider that is redefining connectivity around the world. Driven by its customer-first mindset and passion for leveraging communications technology to advance the government and enterprise customers it serves, SpeedCast has built an unsurpassed global satellite network and has expanded its infrastructure and presence to 42 sales and operations offices and 39 teleports across every region in the world.

Operating on the core belief that it’s the people behind the technology that makes the difference, SpeedCast combines deep expertise with fast, reliable, genuine service—ensuring that its customers’ communications needs are always met; anytime and anywhere in the world. For more information, visit: www.speedcast.com