...Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) communications to a broad range of new government users through the innovative exploitation of the capabilities of its L-band satellites. The company has announced its plan to launch L-TAC, a new L-band service, which will deliver a ‘UHF-like’ tactical satellite capability for use with existing UHF tactical radios for approved government customers at low cost.

UHF tactical satellite capability is in high demand by government customers due to its suitability to create Beyond-Line-of-Sight Push-to-Talk networks using tactical radios, either man-portable or installed in vehicles, helicopters, ships, or other mobile platforms. Inmarsat’s L-TAC service complements this existing UHF tactical capacity, providing additional capability when UHF capacity is unavailable. The company's Inmarsat-4 constellation of satellites provides this capability across the world, with the additional benefit of supporting small antennas for BLOS communications on the move.

To access the service, users require only a small antenna adaptor for their existing tactical radio, which replaces their existing UHF antenna. Inmarsat has partnered with Spectra Group to develop the Slingshot™ adaptor, which is expected to be commercially available in late Q2 2013. Designed with the soldier in mind, Slingshot™ will work with existing tactical military radios and with minimal additional training, will provide Beyond-Line-of-Sight communications without the need for additional infrastructure. Slingshot™ combined with Inmarsat’s L-TAC leased service is fully flexible and designed to meet security and reliability requirements cost-effectively. Users will be able to lease the service for a fixed period with leases as short as one month.

Additionally, Inmarsat has appointed Bashir Patel as its...

...Regional Director of Global Government for the Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa (CAMENA) region. A highly experienced executive in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), satellite systems and defence aerospace, Mr. Patel will be committed to strengthening strategic relationships to support Inmarsat’s partners and their customers, further developing the company’s Global Government business in the region, and enhancing Inmarsat’s network of government hubs in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Singapore.

Mr Patel has worked in hi-tech industries, primarily the satellite and telecoms sectors, for some 30 years, serving in management consulting and business development capacities. He has particular expertise in the Middle Eastern, African and Western Asian markets, which included posts with, amongst others, ICO Global Communications, British Aerospace and, more recently, as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO). In his new role, Mr. Patel will expand upon Inmarsat‘s relationships with multiple stakeholders, including Government agencies, operators and channel partners. He will also retain his role as the CTO’s Ambassador to the Middle East.