[Satellite TODAY Insider 02-21-11] Inmarsat expects to sign the launch contract for its Inmarsat-5 constellation fleet of three Ka-band satellites later this year to support the launch of its Global Xpress service, Inmarsat Global Xpress Managing Director Leo Mondale told Satellite TODAY Insider.
    “The only major component of the GlobalXpress system not yet under contract is for the launch of the satellites and the associated insurance and risk management. We are in active discussions with all of the qualified providers of launch services, and expect to conclude a contract based on a competitive process later this year,” Mondale said.
    Mondale outlined the challenges for Inmarsat’s Ka-band strategy. “The selection processes for space and ground segment vendors confirmed our view that Ka-band technology is ready for deployment into our target markets, and we are very comfortable with our choice of suppliers and partners thus far, which cover most of the technical and deployment aspects of the program. The execution of our satellite, ground segment, user terminal, regulatory and commercial plans is now the main challenge.”
    Inmarsat announced Feb. 18 a $60 million deal for iDirect to provide ground network infrastructure and core module technology to integrate into the Global Xpress satellite terminals. Mondale said the operator chose iDirect because of its technical expertise as well as its “strong market position in key government, energ, and maritime VSAT segments. They also showed technical compatibility, and a culture of partnering with operators, user terminal providers and customers to develop solutions for the many small niches that make up the overall VSAT mosaic.”

Related Stories-

Inmarsat Deal Sees iDirect Emerge as a Ka-band Contender    Satellite Today   February 21, 2011
[Satellite TODAY Insider 02-21-11] Inmarsat issued a $60 million contract to iDirect to provide ground network infrastructure and core module technology to integrate into Inmarsat’s Global Xpress satellite terminals, Inmarsat announced Feb. 18. …

U.S. Broadcasting Trade Groups Debate Spectrum Incentive Auctions    Satellite Today   February 17, 2011
[Satellite TODAY Insider 02-17-11] Mobile carrier trade group CTIA and the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) have proposed spectrum incentive auctions that could raise up to $2.3 billion for U.S. TV stations and $33 billion or more for U.S…

NewSat CEO Hints at Future Satellites After Orbital Slot Acquisition    Satellite Today   February 2, 2011
[Satellite TODAY Insider 02-02-11] NewSat acquired seven orbital slots and a range of frequency assignments for accommodating satellites from AP Kypros Satellites, NewSat announced Feb. 1. The acquisition agreement gives NewSat exclusive use…