Inmarsat, which took its Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) service global by expanding the service into North and South America in May, is looking to make a different kind of expansion in Asia with the acquisition of Asia Cellular Satellite (ACeS), according to industry sources.

ACeS, a regional satellite communications company, launched service in Asia in early 2001 using the Garuda 1 Global Mobile Personal Communications Systems satellite. The company’s was founded by PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara of Indonesia, Philippine Long Distance Co., Jasmine International Public Co. Ltd. of Thailand and the former Lockheed Martin Global Telecommunications.

ACeS officials would neither confirm or deny the acquisition.