CARLSBAD, Calif., 11 Jan. 2007. Inmarsat, a provider of global mobile satellite communications, and ViaSat Inc., a provider of digital communications for commercial and military applications, have announced a co-funded project to develop a new mobile satellite communications terminal for the defense sector. The collaboration will provide secure, reliable, and highly mobile voice and high-speed data communications to the armed forces.
Targeted specifically at the U.S. and NATO markets, the ViaSat Integrated Terminal will combine Inmarsat's IP-based Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) technology with ViaSat AltaSec IP inline encryption equipment to create a portable, ruggedized BGAN user terminal capable of uplinking IP data fully compliant with HAIPE version 1.3.5 Type 1 security standards.
"ViaSat's leadership in manpack MILSATCOM terminal equipment makes them a natural partner to manufacture BGAN terminals that can meet the demanding requirements of defense agencies and military services worldwide," says Perry Melton, vice president of sales & marketing for Inmarsat.
BGAN supports mobile broadband data at speeds up to half-a-megabit per second, as well as guaranteed IP data rates up to 256kbps. Engineers from both companies have successfully demonstrated the compatibility of using the BGAN service with ViaSat KG-250 Type-1 High Assurance Internet Protocol Encryptor Interoperability Standard (HAIPE IS) compliant encryption products over the new constellation of Inmarsat advanced broadband satellites, the Inmarsat-4s.
"We know that the BGAN capabilities are highly attractive to a variety of military users, and this agreement with ViaSat will provide enhanced hardware to maximize its potential in that sector," says Melton. "ViaSat has the expertise and insight into U.S., NATO, and Allied military needs to develop a BGAN terminal that is a viable augmentation to existing military satcom services."
"This terminal will combine BGAN's broadband connectivity for Communications on the Move and other high mobility requirements, with the military's needs for a hardware platform that meets the ruggedness and security needs of IP-centric, tactical users," says Phil Berry, vice president and general manager of Government SATCOM Systems for ViaSat. "By developing a BGAN terminal integrated with HAIPE IS security, we create a near-term secure connectivity capability needed by today's warfighters."
