Inmarsat global mobile satellite services operator and ACeS International Limited, an Asian hand-held voice satellite services operator, today announced collaboration arrangements to offer low-cost, hand-held and fixed-voice services in the Asian market initially, with extended, combined-satellite coverage expected in early 2007.

Inmarsat will assume responsibility for satellite and network operations, wholesale service provision, and product and service development. ACeS will focus on distribution of MSS products in the Asian land and maritime markets, and will distribute Inmarsat’s BGAN services.

Inmarsat plans to expand geographic coverage for the hand-held service in early 2007, and launch its third Inmarsat-4 satellite in late 2007.