Inmarsat has appointed specialized satellite services provider Network Innovations as a Value Added Reseller (VAR) for Global Xpress, serving government markets in Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Network Innovations develops custom solutions for government and military customers in some of the most demanding and remote environments around the world.

Andy Start, President of Inmarsat Global Government Services, said: “Network Innovations has been one of Inmarsat’s leading government sector partners for many years.

“The company’s success is testament to the investment it has made in people, resources and knowledge. We are very pleased to welcome Network Innovations as the first GX VAR in the Global Government sector and look forward to working closely with them as the GX service launches in 2014.”

Tim Harkema, President of Network Innovations, said: “We are pleased and excited to add Inmarsat GX to the portfolio of services we offer to our government clients around the globe.

“Combined with our value-added services and our experience in this market, the addition of GX will enable Network Innovations to continue to innovate and expand our offerings to fit the needs of these unique customers."

Global Xpress will be the first global Ka-band broadband satellite network providing very high bandwidth services to a range of land, maritime and aviation terminals, delivered through a resilient, secure waveform which is optimised for mobility.

Integrated seamlessly with Inmarsat’s current L-band network, Global Xpress will ensure reliable communications in support of mission critical operations in the most challenging environments.

The first of three Global Xpress satellites, Inmarsat-5 F1, is scheduled to be launched in December with full global coverage on course to be achieved by the end of 2014.