Inmarsat has appointed Applied Satellite Technology Ltd (AST) as a Value Added Reseller (VAR) for Global Xpress (GX), serving the Enterprise and Maritime markets.

Michele Franci, Chief Technology Officer, Inmarsat said: “As we continue to countdown to the launch of our third GX satellite and the completion of the global high-speed broadband network, scheduled for early in the second half of 2015, the appointment of AST represents a further significant step in bringing the benefits of GX to the widest possible group of end users.”

The new agreement strengthens an already successful partnership between the two companies, which has spanned over twenty years. In addition to a Reseller network that covers 5 continents with reach into Australasia, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa and the Americas, AST has specialist divisions working in Government, NGO, Maritime and Fisheries with a strong solutions based philosophy. GX services will be the focus for portfolio expansion. AST is investing over $100k in state of the art network and traffic management tools to compliment the GX services from Inmarsat and to enable customers to receive the high speed data services they want, when they want it.

Gregory Darling, Managing Director at AST said: “Global Xpress will be the world’s first globally available superfast broadband service delivered through a single operator. We believe this is a significant step-forward in bringing the benefits of high-speed connectivity to existing and new markets and are delighted to have extended our strategic relationship with Inmarsat to cover this revolutionary service for Enterprise and Maritime markets.”

The first Global Xpress satellite (Inmarsat-5 F1) entered commercial service in July 2014. The first end users of the GX service have reported that service exceeded their expectations and new pilots are commencing across a broad range of market sectors. The third satellite in the GX fleet – Inmarsat-5 F3 – is scheduled for launch during Q2 2015.

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

Katie Potts
Corporate Communications Manager
katie.potts@inmarsat.com
+44 (0)20 7728 1492

Applied Satellite Technology Ltd (AST)
Sandy Johnson
Business Strategy & Marketing Director
+44 (0)1493 440011
marketing@ast-uk.com

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 Applied Satellite Technology Ltd (AST)
AST is a worldwide company with a distribution network, offices and warehousing facilities in Australasia, Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas. AST has specialist companies providing satellite solutions sales direct to vertical markets including NGOs, Government, Maritime, Fisheries and Emergency Services.

AST is a Tier 1 provider of L Band and Ka Band satellite airtime, a VNO for VSAT Services and a Distribution Partner for satellite and radio equipment throughout the world. AST is uniquely positioned to offer independent, unbiased advice to ensure customers receive the right communication solution to meet their business needs, and at a competitive price.

With a proven track record in delivering high profile projects, AST is committed to ensuring customers are well informed and provide many Value Added Services.

The business operates a Quality Management System that meets the requirements of ISO 9001:2008 to ensure that quality standards are constantly met and improved. A recent addition to this accreditation is ISO 14001, an internationally accepted standard awarded to companies that can demonstrate a proven Environmental Management System.

Please visit www.theastgroup.com.