BGAN will provide a variety of 3G UMTS-based services via two geostationary satellites. Inmarsat plans to launch the first of the Inmarsat 4 (I-4) satellites late in 2003 with the aim to begin BGAN service in 2004. The BGAN infrastructure is based on a 3G-compatible core network with a specially designed Radio Access Network (RAN) implementing the second- generation Inmarsat Air Interface (IAI2).

The HNS BGAN-terminal will be an IP-based LAN access point that will support BGAN data rates up to 432 Kbps (bi-directional) with UMTS compatibility. Standard interfaces to PCs will include Ethernet, USB, ISDN and WLAN.

"We are enthusiastic about this contract," said Binoy Rosario, vice president of business development for the mobile wireless terminal group at HNS. "It reaffirms HNS as a key enabler of broadband communications worldwide. In this instance, the portable BGAN terminals and service will enable new business and lifestyle opportunities globally."

"Hughes has already shown their expertise through their involvement in the Regional BGAN program, the precursor to BGAN," said Gene Jilg, vice president of advanced programs at Inmarsat. "We look forward to continuing to work with them through the development of these exciting new terminals for the BGAN service."

HNS is a major supplier of mobile satellite networks, including GSM- enabled portable handsets and Internet devices. In prior contracts, Inmarsat had awarded Hughes Network Systems the development and production work associated with the Regional BGAN network including user terminals.

With these contracts, HNS will now be a key supplier of user equipment to Inmarsat's customers for the next decade -- beginning later this year with RBGAN products having data rates up to 144kbps via a secure shared channel, followed by BGAN products with rates up to 432kbps.

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