Global communications – the Inmarsat way

Inmarsat plc is a highly successful global mobile satellite communications company, based in the South East. Its interim financial report for the second quarter of 2008 showed a profit before tax of $87.8m, up 12.9% on 2007.

To secure the European Space Agency bid, Inmarsat joined forces with EADS Astrium, a world leader in the design and manufacture of satellite systems.

The project will create a satellite for the next generation, using very advanced and much faster processors. It will increase band-width for satellite communications by 30%, thereby creating business opportunities such as real time tracking of traffic movements, video conferencing and the ability to do business using mobile phones. As a result, it will create more affordable bandwidth and could open up new markets in Africa.

SEEDA’s contribution will help safeguard a number of highly-skilled jobs in the region, including at least 315 jobs at the Astrium site in Portsmouth. Once the Inmarsat project is operational, it will help the UK secure further design and manufacturing projects in satellite communications, through which it is estimated up to £250m will be generated for the Greater South East region.

SEEDA’s support for Inmarsat’s project will help preserve the South East as a leader in innovation and a region committed to maintaining and developing a high level of technology and technical skills in the space industry, which is one of the South East’s most hi-tech, highly skilled sectors, generating billions for the region’s economy.

For more information please contact our press office

Tel: 01483 470155

Archive

• 2010
• 2009
• 2008