Inmarsat’s alliance with Cisco will allow the mobile operator to deliver advanced services and applications over the GX network when the service is launched in 2014 and introduced for business aviation customers in the first quarter of 2015.

Inmarsat and Cisco said the partnership would create a new ecosystem for satellite applications, with Cisco providing a satellite applications service delivery platform and a high performance access network for the GX program. Cisco also will develop a router for satellite network end-users that will utilize both Inmarsat GX capabilities and also the operator’s current BGAN global network.

“These agreements will allow Cisco and Inmarsat to create new value propositions for our customers,” Imarsat CEO Rupert Pearce said in a statement. “Inmarsat will benefit tremendously from Cisco technology and distribution reach and Cisco will be able to provide connectivity for its services and products anytime, anywhere. We are going to foster a new satellite applications development environment that should provide great opportunities for our distributors, our customers and our companies.”

Cisco President of Development and Sales Rob Lloyd said his company would build and operate the network on a fully managed basis before transferring it to Inmarsat, and that Inmarsat would become a Global Partner for Cisco in bringing their combined service capabilities to Inmarsat’s value added resellers around the globe.

“Imagine watching on demand TV in an aircraft, using TelePresence on an oil rig in the middle of the ocean, or accessing cost effective HD TV broadcasting from any location. We are truly excited about the possibilities this unique alliance creates,” said Lloyd.

Separately, Inmarsat confirmed it signed a master distribution agreement with Honeywell for GX Aviation that includes a significant five-year capacity purchase for delivery of current and future Honeywell Aviation Services.

Inmarsat Global Xpress Program Director Leo Mondale said the signing of the agreement with Honeywell represents a strong endorsement of Inmarsat’s GX service innovation for the business aviation sector.

“Our on-going partnership with Honeywell will enable us to develop a world-leading capability in business aviation,” Mondale said in a statement. “By combining their industry-leading experience with GX we ensure that business aviation customers will rapidly benefit from the introduction of our new generation connectivity services.”