[Satellite TODAY 03-18-11] Inmarsat is launching data services on its IsatPhone Pro global handheld satellite phone at the end of March, the MSS operator announced March 16.
     The new circuit-switched capability aims to offer data rates of up to 20 kbps and will be provided in the next firmware upgrade to the handset March 31. The next IsatPhone Pro also will feature a number of service enhancements, the company said.
     “The IsatPhone Pro design means the device can be placed on its side with the antenna deployed for connection to the satellite while a micro USB cable connects it to a laptop. …  In testing we have actually exceeded 20 kbps throughput with plain text email on several occasions.  It’s ideal for those people wanting to access emails, jpegs, documents or PDFs,” Inmarsat’s Director of Land Services Drew Brandy said in a statement.