Posted: 18th Dec, 2003 By: MarkJ
The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed a new mobile Internet access agreement with Inmarsat. The deal aims to make true 'global' broadband services available to those at sea, in the air or on land via the Broadband Global Area Network System (BGAN):
Following the launch of the first of the 4th generation Inmarsat satellites in 2004, BGAN is expected to become operational for land services in 2005. The new system will meet the growing demand from business and private users for high-speed internet access and multimedia connectivity, as well as a wide range of teleservices, such as teleworking and distance learning.
Applications will include Internet and intranet access, video on demand, web TV, videoconferencing and LAN access at speeds of up to 432 kbit/s to notebook-sized terminals. The BGAN system will also be compatible with 3G cellular terrestrial systems, according to ESA.More @
The Register.