Communications

Inmarsat

Inmarsat was the world's first global mobile satellite communications operator and is still the only one to offer a mature range of modern communications services to maritime, land-mobile, aeronautical and other users. The Inmarsat business strategy is to pursue a range of new opportunities at the convergence of information technology, telecoms and mobility while continuing to serve traditional maritime, aeronautical, land-mobile and remote-area markets.

Keystone of the strategy is the new Inmarsat I-4 satellite system, which from 2004 will support the Inmarsat Broadband Global Area Network (B-GAN) - mobile data communications at up to 432kbit/s for Internet access, mobile multimedia and many other advanced applications.

Iridium

Iridium Satellite LLC completed the acquisition of the operating assets of Iridium LLC and its subsidiaries in early 2001. With the asset transfer complete, Iridium Satellite LLC now owns all of the former assets of Iridium LLC, including the satellite constellation, the terrestrial network, Iridium real property and intellectual property owned by Iridium LLC.

Iridium Satellite LLC began immediate service to the US government, with commercial satellite communications launched by the end of the 1st quarter of 2001. Initially Iridium commenced service with voice and limited data capabilities, but quickly provided enhanced data at 10Kbps and intends short burst messaging by the end of 2001. Subsequently, Stratos has entered into a 5-year agreement for sole management of the worldwide sales and distribution of Iridium Satellite LLC through its wholly owned U.S. subsidiary Satellite Distribution Services Inc. (SDSI).