Inmarsat to launch satellite phone-data device on July 31

Global mobile satellite communications major Inmarsat will launch its personal connectivity device IsatHub, developed to offer voice as well as data services, by the end of next month.
IsatHub will allow users to talk, text and access the Internet using their smartphones, laptops or tablets anywhere in the world, inside or outside the coverage of cellular or terrestrial communications, the company said at the global preview of the device here.
The commercial global launch of the IsatHub will be on July 31, 2014, Inmarsat Director (Enterprises Marketing Development) Rob Mayer said.
"We have started taking orders through our channel partners globally," he said on the sidelines of the preview.

The company said product alone would cost around USD 1499 but actual cost of services would be higher depending upon the region.
The device will help those who want voice and data connectivity at the same time while on the move, he said. The company has devices like handheld phone, IsatPhone Pro, IsatPhone to offer voice services and BGAN network for data services through satellites.

The new device which is actually the size of a notebook will bridge the gap between these two services, he said.
For India, he said that the company is eyeing media, oil & gas exploration, travel sectors and NGOs for selling the product.

In India, the company offers satellite mobile services through Tata Communications which holds licence for such services.
There are 1,532 authorised satellite phone connections that can operate within country and a majority of them are used by security forces. TCL has also issued 4,143 permits to maritime community for use of such phones at ships.
International Mobile Satellite Organization (INMARSAT) was set up under the aegis of United Nations in 1979 and India was one of the founding members.