[SatNews] Inmarsat and Thrane & Thrane have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)....

....for the development and delivery of key components to implement new services on the Inmarsat Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN). The MoU agreement has a total value to Thrane & Thrane of DKK 78 million and will be executed over the next 18-20 months. The Thrane & Thrane scope of supply will facilitate, among other things, implementation of three new BGAN services by Inmarsat:

• Low Data Rate (LDR) services – enabling new compact and robust terminals. Possible applications include development of low-bandwidth systems for Machine to Machine (M2M) communication, such as data collection and remote monitoring. There will also be application possibilities in both the maritime and the aeronautical market
• High Data Rate (HDR) services – offering enhanced throughput compared to existing services, which could be used, for example, on new systems for live news broadcasting or helicopter surveillance
• Data-based Maritime Safety services – providing the next step in introducing Global Maritime Distress Safety Services (GMDSS) to FleetBroadband users

“The new BGAN services will also provide Thrane & Thrane with significant development possibilities for new terminals and new features for existing terminals,” said Walther Thygesen, CEO, Thrane & Thrane. “We’re looking forward to the opening of new market opportunities with these new services, as they provide the foundation for expanding our BGAN portfolio with new products and systems.” The agreement marks the continuation of Thrane & Thrane’s long-lasting and close collaboration with Inmarsat with respect to, among other things, BGAN infrastructure development. The agreement will have no impact on Thrane & Thrane’s previously announced expectations to revenue and operating profit for the financial year ending April 30, 2012.