Inmarsat has launched its new global handheld satellite phone, the IsatPhone Pro. Retailing for as little as $500, the phone will be a “game changer” in this specialist market, the company says. “The new service, Inmarsat’s first global handheld, offers an unmatched specification at the most competitive price point in the market. Extensive testing has shown that IsatPhone Pro has the market’s longest battery life and the most robust handset. These and other market-leading services and features are now available at a suggested retail price of $699, with promotional prices expected to be around $500-600.
Andrew Sukawaty, Chairman and CEO of Inmarsat: “With the promotional incentives at launch, our $500-600 IsatPhone Pro is a ‘game changer’. This phone gives us price and performance leadership for the remote environment market. “We have today entered the handheld satellite phone market with a global handset. It targets customers served by Inmarsat for decades, both at sea and in the most remote parts of the global landmass. It is supported by our existing satellite network and it uses proven technology customised for use in these environments.
“The IsatPhone Pro is tailor-made for tough use. Rugged, splash and dust proof, and with long battery life, it offers global service from day one. This is the first satellite phone to be built for the Inmarsat network from the ground-up, responding to customer needs, for use in harsh environments.
“Today we have delivered a robust, affordable, professional handset for global users. IsatPhone Pro joins our award-winning portfolio of data and voice terminals. It gives us a full range of services for remote environment communications use.”
IsatPhone Pro offers up to eight hours talk time and up to 100 hours on standby. The handset has secured an IP54 rating and is dust, splash and shock resistant. It is also capable of operating from -20oC to +55oC, which is the widest temperature range of any satellite phone. IsatPhone Pro offers high-quality satellite telephony, text and email messaging. Location data can also be viewed and sent in a text message.
The unique design of IsatPhone Pro, including a fully-manoeuvrable antenna, allows the handset to be placed on its side for easy hands-free use via Bluetooth. IsatPhone Pro has an intuitive GSM-style interface with a high-visibility colour screen, and a larger keypad for easy dialling in gloves.
“IsatPhone Pro will undoubtedly shake-up the global handheld market,” said Helen Stalker, Commercial Director for Global Satellite Phone Services at Inmarsat. “It’s the best overall proposition in the market. It meets all the fundamental user requirements and Inmarsat provides the best channel support in the industry. We have worked with the best developers, manufacturers and logistics providers to bring IsatPhone Pro to market. And through our 13 distribution partners worldwide, the levels of customer service and support are unrivalled”.
The distribution partners for IsatPhone Pro are AST, China Telecom, Evosat, Korea Telecom, MCN, MVS, Network Innovations, NSSL, RRSat, Satcom Global, Singtel, Stratos and Vizada.
