Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT) hs introduced a new class of its SwiftBroadband service. SwiftBroadband 200 (SB200) is designed to extend the benefits of Inmarsat services to smaller aircraft and provide a more cost-effective solution for IP communications for aircraft operators.

Available in the footprint of all three I-4 satellites, an SB200 installation will provide standard IP data up to 200kbps, circuit-switched voice telephony, and streaming IP data up to 16kbps. Since its introduction in 2007, SwiftBroadband has enabled cockpit, cabin and operational applications through one installation using a single high- or intermediate-gain antenna on the aircraft. With the introduction of the SB200 service, the hardware manufacturers will be able to develop smaller, lighter systems and antenna, reducing the purchase and installation costs. This, together with the smaller form factor, will enable the installation of SwiftBroadband on smaller aircraft than was previously possible, in all sectors of aviation. The first SB200s based on existing SwiftBroadband systems are expected to be commercially available from manufacturers at the end of 2010.