Inmarsat Targets 3G in China

Inmarsat is putting heavy emphasis on the Chinese market with its next-generation service, targeting both corporate users and rural communities not covered by cellular networks with data-capable communications. Three Inmarsat 4 satellites are scheduled to begin operation at the end of next year, at a cost of $1.5bn, offering 3G data rates at around $10 per megabyte through a $700, A4-size gateway box.

“We see that within the enterprise user base in China, and also foreign companies doing business in China, they have a need for mobile communications,” Perry Melton, Inmarsat’s vice-president for partner and commercial relationships, told Electronics Weekly.

“We see the most potential right now in Japan as a buying market, and China both as a buying and use market. It’s at the top of our priorities.” Full story Here.