Inmarsat to provide internet in flights

Global satellite operator to offer the service after the launch of its next generation satellite

Inmarsat, the global satellite operator, is looking at India to offer commercially high-speed internet services on mobile phones, allowing users to stream videos flying on a plane or driving on highways, once its next generation satellite is launched in two years.

Inmarsat has a fleet of four Global Xpress (GX) satellites, that have Ka band transponders with ability to beam high-speed broadband on mobiles, currently, the only operational fleet in the world. A fifth one, to be launched in 2019 will cover India. "It gives us an access to the Indian subcontinent for the first time, because it allows us to put a gateway in India to support GX services, which is an important long-term, I stress, long-term opportunity," chief executive Rupert Pearce said. The satellite operator is setting up a gateway jointly with a local firm in the country to offer the commercial services.