ViaSat to Collaborate with Inmarsat on Type 1 Encrypted Mobile Satellite Networking

ViaSat to Collaborate with Inmarsat on Type 1 Encrypted Mobile Satellite Networking

2005-05-24 - Information Security 

London, 24 May 2005 ' Inmarsat, the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, has announced a collaboration with ViaSat Inc. to develop new solutions based on the integration of Inmarsat's forthcoming BGAN mobile satellite service and ViaSat's AltaSec' family of programmable, HAIPIS-compliant inline network encryption products.

The two companies will explore ways in which to better serve US Government requirements, with specific emphasis on the Department of Defense. In particular, they will examine the use of HAIPIS encryption devices, such as the NSA-certified KG-250, to secure the Inmarsat BGAN network. BGAN, due for launch later in 2005, is the new voice and 492kbps IP data service that will be available on Inmarsat's next-generation satellites ' the Inmarsat 4s ' the first of which was launched in March.

Inmarsat and ViaSat have already successfully proven the viability of using the ViaSat KG-250 Type 1 IP Network Encrpytor with Regional BGAN, Inmarsat's 144kbps mobile data service currently serving users in a satellite footprint that covers Europe, the Middle East, Northern Africa and parts of Asia.

The joint development team will also ensure that the planned multicast service for BGAN is optimised for supporting IP encryption, and specifically compatible with the High Assurance IP Equipment Interoperability Specification which is the standard for securing US Government networks.

Michael Butler, Chief Operating Officer of Inmarsat, said: 'Inmarsat has a long history of providing the US Government with mobile satellite communications that, when combined with NSA-certified Type 1 encryption devices, can be secured to the highest level. With our BGAN service launch, planned for later in 2005, we will offer these customers unparalleled mobile broadband IP service, and it is essential that this capability can be similarly assured for government users.'

'As a clear leader in the field of Type 1 IP encryption, ViaSat is a natural collaborator for Inmarsat. Our joint development work represents practical steps toward an IP-centric, mobile, broadband world,' he said.

'ViaSat is well established in providing satellite terminals and networking products for government mobile satellite systems. Inmarsat has long held a strong position in augmenting DoD's organic mobile satellite services and resources', said Mark Dankberg, chairman and CEO of ViaSat. 'BGAN extends that capability to the IP-based Global Information Grid. We are very pleased to be working with Inmarsat to extend the scope of our solutions for government mobile satellite users.'

Forward-looking Statements
Certain statements in this announcement constitute 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These factors include: general economic and business conditions; changes in technology; timing or delay in signing, commencement, implementation and performance of programmes, or the delivery of products or services under them; structural change in the satellite industry; relationships with customers; competition; and ability to attract personnel. You are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this announcement. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances.

About Inmarsat Limited (www.inmarsat.com)
Inmarsat Ltd owns and operates a unique global mobile satellite network and delivers its communications solutions through a worldwide network of approximately 400 distributors and service providers to end users in the maritime, land and aeronautical sectors in approximately 170 countries.
Inmarsat Ltd has a portfolio of mobile satellite solutions, including voice, fax, intranet and Internet access and other data services.
Inmarsat Ltd has more than 25 years' experience in designing, implementing and operating satellite networks.
At the end of December 2004, approximately 353,000 terminals were registered to access Inmarsat Ltd's services.
Inmarsat Ltd is also supported by partners in the fields of equipment manufacture, software provision and systems integration.

For more information, please contact:
John Warehand
Media Relations Manager
Inmarsat
+44 20 7728 1579
john_warehand@inmarsat.com

Bruce Rowe
Director, Public Relations
ViaSat Inc.
+1 760-476-2505
bruce.rowe@viasat.com


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