Inmarsat
Corporate brand
UnclaimedGlobal mobile satellite communications provider
Last updated November 4, 2026
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Overview
Inmarsat is a United Kingdom-based mobile satellite communications brand serving users in locations where terrestrial networks are unavailable, unreliable, or insufficient. Its services support maritime transport, commercial and business aviation, government agencies, emergency and humanitarian organizations, media companies, mining operations, and other enterprises working in remote or mobile environments. The brand’s network combines geostationary satellites, ground infrastructure, distribution partners, and specialized user terminals to deliver voice, messaging, tracking, safety communications, broadband data, and inflight connectivity. The organization originated in 1979 as the International Maritime Satellite Organization, an intergovernmental body created at the initiative of the International Maritime Organization. Its initial purpose was to improve communications and safety for shipping by establishing a satellite network available to the maritime community. The system initially relied on satellite capacity provided through arrangements involving Marisat and MARECS. In the 1980s, its remit expanded beyond maritime use, including improvements to aeronautical communications and public-safety capabilities. During the 1990s, the member states concluded that the operational business needed a more commercial structure while public-interest and safety responsibilities still required international oversight. A restructuring agreement separated the operational business from the intergovernmental organization. In April 1999, the International Mobile Satellite Organization became the intergovernmental regulatory body, while the operating business became Inmarsat Ltd. The arrangement preserved public-service obligations, including the provision of maritime distress and safety communications. The company developed successive satellite generations and service families. The Inmarsat-2 satellites supported the company’s early dedicated commercial services, while the Inmarsat-3 constellation expanded low-bandwidth and maritime safety capabilities. The Inmarsat-4 satellites enabled the Broadband Global Area Network, or BGAN, a widely used IP-based service for mobile users requiring broadband connectivity outside terrestrial coverage. BGAN was particularly relevant to field teams, journalists, government users, and businesses operating in remote regions. Inmarsat subsequently expanded into higher-capacity Ka-band connectivity through the Global Xpress network. Global Xpress, introduced commercially in the mid-2010s, was designed to provide global high-throughput satellite connectivity for maritime, aviation, government, and enterprise customers. The company also developed aviation connectivity through the European Aviation Network, which combines satellite capacity with a terrestrial LTE network operated in partnership with Deutsche Telekom. In commercial aviation, Inmarsat has supplied broadband connectivity and worked with aircraft connectivity and service partners, including Panasonic Avionics. Inmarsat became a publicly traded company in 2005 after investment by private-equity firms Apax Partners and Permira. It acquired Stratos Global Corporation in 2009 and took a minority stake in SkyWave Mobile Communications, strengthening its distribution and machine-to-machine communications capabilities. In 2019, a consortium led by Apax Partners and Warburg Pincus, together with Canadian institutional investors, acquired the company. Inmarsat left the London Stock Exchange in December 2019 and became privately held. Viasat announced an agreement to acquire Inmarsat in November 2021. The transaction combined Viasat’s satellite communications operations with Inmarsat’s maritime, aviation, government, and enterprise businesses. Following competition review in the United Kingdom, the acquisition closed on 31 May 2023. Inmarsat continues to operate as a major Viasat brand and business platform, with London remaining its principal base and…
History
Inmarsat’s institutional origin lies in the international effort to improve maritime communications through satellites. The International Maritime Satellite Organization was established in 1979 under a convention developed with the support of the International Maritime Organization. Twenty-eight countries signed the underlying convention in 1976. The organization was created to establish and operate satellite communications for ships, particularly to improve routine communications and safety at sea. The early system used satellite capacity associated with Marisat and MARECS. During the 1980s, the organization worked with international aviation authorities to extend its remit to aeronautical communications and public-safety applications. The first dedicated Inmarsat-2 satellites were launched in the early 1990s, supporting the Inmarsat-A maritime service. The Inmarsat-3 series, launched between 1996 and 1998, expanded the network with five geostationary L-band satellites and supported services such as Inmarsat-B and Inmarsat-C, which were important for shipping, low-bandwidth data, and safety messaging. By the mid-1990s, the member states faced growing pressure to commercialize operations. Satellite communications had become more competitive, and governments were reluctant to fund all required network upgrades. At the same time, public authorities wanted international supervision of safety-related obligations. The resulting restructuring separated regulation from commercial operations. In April 1999, the International Mobile Satellite Organization succeeded the original intergovernmental organization as the regulatory body, while the operating business became Inmarsat Ltd. The new company retained contractual public-safety duties. Following privatization, Inmarsat invested in mobile broadband and expanded beyond its maritime origins. The Inmarsat-4 satellites, launched between 2005 and 2008, enabled BGAN, an IP-based service for field users requiring broadband data through compact terminals. Alphasat, launched in 2013, further extended the associated capacity. BGAN supported voice, data, streaming, and professional communications for journalists, aid agencies, government teams, and businesses in areas lacking dependable terrestrial infrastructure. Inmarsat also broadened its commercial footprint through acquisitions and partnerships. Apax Partners and Permira acquired shares in 2005, the same year Inmarsat listed on the London Stock Exchange. In 2009, the company acquired Stratos Global Corporation and purchased a minority interest in SkyWave Mobile Communications. These moves strengthened its distribution network and its position in satellite-based tracking and machine-to-machine communications. The company’s next major technology transition was Global Xpress, a high-throughput Ka-band network developed during the 2010s. Commercial service began in 2015, offering higher-capacity IP connectivity to maritime, aviation, government, and enterprise markets. Global Xpress was designed to work alongside the established L-band network, allowing customers to balance capacity and availability. Inmarsat also pursued electronically steered antenna technology with Isotropic Systems and extended its aviation business through the European Aviation Network, a hybrid system combining an Inmarsat S-band satellite with a terrestrial LTE network developed with Deutsche Telekom. In 2018, Inmarsat announced a long-term aviation connectivity collaboration with Panasonic Avionics. The arrangement positioned Inmarsat as Panasonic’s exclusive Ka-band connectivity provider under the announced framework and expanded Inmarsat’s role in commercial inflight broadband. In 2019, the board recommended a takeover by Connect Bidco, a consortium comprising private-equity and institutional investors. The transaction was completed later that year, and Inmarsat was delisted on 5 December 2019. The company was operating a fleet of geostationary communications satellites at the time. An attempted challenge involving the valuation of spectrum-related assets did not prevent completion of the transaction. Viasat announced its planned acquisition of Inmarsat in November 2021. The proposed consideration included cash, Viasat stock, and assumed debt. The deal underwent United Kingdom competition review and received provisional approval in March 2023. Viasat completed the acquisition on 31 May 2023. Inmarsat remains a London-based brand within Viasat, serving mobile satellite communications markets worldwide. Its portfolio includes voice, data, tracking, broadband, aviation connectivity, maritime services, and free distress and safety support under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.
- 2023
Viasat acquisition completed
[1]Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat on 31 May, creating a larger global satellite communications group.
- 2019
Company delisted after Connect Bidco takeover
[1]Inmarsat became privately held and left the London Stock Exchange on 5 December.
- 2017
First Inmarsat S-band satellite launched
[1]The satellite supported the European Aviation Network’s hybrid satellite and terrestrial inflight connectivity model.
- 2015
Global Xpress launched commercially
[1]The company introduced its global high-throughput Ka-band satellite service for professional markets.
- 2010
BGAN receives MacRobert Award
[1]Inmarsat’s Broadband Global Area Network service received the MacRobert Award.
- 2009
Stratos acquisition completed
[1]Inmarsat acquired Stratos Global Corporation and also took a minority stake in SkyWave Mobile Communications.
- 2005
London Stock Exchange listing
[1]Inmarsat became a publicly listed company following investment by Apax Partners and Permira.
- 1999
Operational business privatized
[1]The commercial operating unit became Inmarsat Ltd., while the International Mobile Satellite Organization continued as an intergovernmental regulatory body.
- 1991
Inmarsat-2 services introduced
[1]The first dedicated Inmarsat-2 satellites supported the Inmarsat-A maritime communications service.
- 1979
International Maritime Satellite Organization established
[1]The intergovernmental organization began work on a satellite communications network for maritime users.
Products and positioning
Premium professional satellite connectivity and safety communications for mobile, remote, and mission-critical users
High-throughput satellite broadband · 2015
Global Xpress
Global Xpress is Inmarsat’s global Ka-band high-throughput satellite network. Introduced commercially in 2015, it provides IP connectivity for maritime, aviation, government, and enterprise users. The service is designed for higher-capacity applications and can operate alongside Inmarsat’s L-band services, allowing customers to combine throughput with broader availability and resilience. Its network architecture uses geostationary satellites with fixed and steerable beams, supported by specialized antennas and partner distribution channels.
Land mobile satellite broadband · 2005
Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN)
BGAN is an IP-based mobile satellite service delivered through Inmarsat’s L-band network. It is intended for users working beyond terrestrial coverage, including field journalists, emergency teams, aid agencies, government personnel, and remote businesses. Compact terminals support broadband data, voice, streaming services, and related professional communications. BGAN became one of Inmarsat’s best-known examples of portable satellite connectivity for land users.
Maritime communications
FleetBroadband
FleetBroadband provides maritime users with voice and IP data connectivity through compact shipboard terminals. It supports operational communications, crew welfare, business applications, and access to digital services while vessels are at sea. The service uses Inmarsat’s mobile satellite infrastructure and is part of the company’s broader maritime portfolio, which also includes safety, tracking, and higher-throughput offerings.
Maritime high-throughput connectivity
Fleet Xpress
Fleet Xpress is a maritime connectivity service based on Global Xpress high-throughput capacity and supported by Inmarsat’s established L-band network. It is intended to provide ships with higher-capacity broadband while retaining a degree of network availability and continuity through hybrid service architecture. Typical applications include vessel operations, remote monitoring, crew communications, and enterprise data access.
Inflight connectivity · 2017
European Aviation Network
The European Aviation Network combines an Inmarsat S-band satellite with a terrestrial LTE network developed with Deutsche Telekom. The hybrid design was created to deliver broadband connectivity to aircraft operating across Europe, using satellite coverage and ground capacity together. The service has been deployed on commercial routes and supported inflight Internet programs for airline customers and connectivity partners.
Maritime safety communications
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System services
Inmarsat provides maritime distress and safety communications under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System. These services support the international safety framework for ships and are provided as a public service rather than as an ordinary commercial connectivity product. They enable safety alerts and related communications through the company’s satellite network, helping vessels communicate in emergencies and in areas without terrestrial coverage.
Brand decisions
2021
Agree to Viasat acquisitionM&ABackground
Viasat sought to combine its satellite communications business with Inmarsat’s established maritime, aviation, government, and enterprise operations.
Action taken
Inmarsat’s owners agreed to sell the company to Viasat, subject to regulatory approval.
Aftermath
The transaction closed in May 2023, making Inmarsat a Viasat brand and business unit.
2019
Accept Connect Bidco takeoverM&ABackground
The board considered a takeover offer from a consortium of private-equity and institutional investors.
Action taken
The board recommended the transaction, which completed in December 2019 and resulted in Inmarsat’s delisting.
Aftermath
Inmarsat became privately held and continued operating from the United Kingdom.
Reported takeover offer value. (2019)
1999
Separate commercial operations from international regulationStrategyBackground
Member states wanted a more commercially oriented operating business while preserving international oversight of satellite safety obligations.
Action taken
The operating unit was privatized as Inmarsat Ltd., and the International Mobile Satellite Organization was retained as the intergovernmental regulatory body.
Aftermath
The structure enabled commercial investment and product development while maintaining public-safety commitments.
Recent events
Inmarsat launches its first I-6 satellite[3]
Inmarsat confirmed that Mitsubishi Heavy Industries successfully launched its first Inmarsat-6 satellite, I-6 F1, on 22 December.
Reported
Viasat announces agreement to acquire Inmarsat[4]
Viasat announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Inmarsat; the release directs readers to a separate announcement on Viasat's Investor Relations website.
Reported
Inmarsat announces launch of OneFi platform[5]
Inmarsat announced the launch of OneFi, a customer experience platform for airlines that brings onboard services together in a single portal interface.
Reported
Lloyd’s Register and Inmarsat partner on remote survey solution[6]
Lloyd’s Register and Inmarsat announced a partnership to provide a connectivity solution for remote surveys, combining LR Remote with Inmarsat’s Fleet Connect service on the Fleet Xpress platform. The solution was being piloted with clients specializing in gas carriers and bulk carriers.
Reported
Inmarsat unveils plans for ORCHESTRA network[7]
Inmarsat unveiled plans for ORCHESTRA, a planned communications network combining existing GEO satellites, LEO satellites and terrestrial 5G. The announcement describes a future service, not a completed launch.
Reported
Inmarsat launches Application and Solution Provider program[8]
Inmarsat launched an Application and Solution Provider program for software, hardware and solutions providers, as well as OEMs in commercial land markets.
Reported
Inmarsat seeks court review of Dutch spectrum reallocation[9]
Inmarsat sought an injunction in a Netherlands civil court to review changes to the National Frequency Plan that would reallocate spectrum used for satellite-based maritime safety services to 5G providers.
Inmarsat appoints Rajeev Suri as CEO[10]
Inmarsat appointed Rajeev Suri as CEO, effective March 1, 2021. He succeeds Rupert Pearce, who was stepping down on February 28, 2021.
- Unconfirmed
Reported
Farmbot and Inmarsat enter satellite connectivity agreement[11]
Farmbot and Inmarsat entered an agreement for Inmarsat to provide satellite connectivity services supporting Farmbot’s water-monitoring software for farmers across Australia.
- Unconfirmed
Reported
Inmarsat secures licences to offer services in Saudi Arabia[12]
Inmarsat secured spectrum licences to deliver narrow-band L-band and high-capacity broadband Ka-band Global Xpress services in Saudi Arabia, enabling Saudi-based businesses to deploy the services for the first time.
Sources19 sources
- 1Inmarsaten.wikipedia.org
- 2Inmarsat official websiteinmarsat.com
- 3Inmarsat发射首颗I-6卫星worldoil.com
- 4Viasat宣布达成收购Inmarsat的协议prnewswire.com
- 5Inmarsat宣布推出OneFi平台finanznachrichten.de
- 6劳氏船级社与国际海事卫星组织合作推出远程检验方案marinelink.com
- 7Inmarsat公布ORCHESTRA网络计划finanznachrichten.de
- 8Inmarsat推出应用与解决方案提供商计划satellitetoday.com
- 9Inmarsat寻求法院审查荷兰频谱重新分配计划satellitetoday.com
- 10Inmarsat 任命 Rajeev Suri 为首席执行官asiatraveltips.com
- 11Farmbot与Inmarsat达成卫星连接服务协议freshplaza.com
- 12Inmarsat获准在沙特阿拉伯提供服务oilreviewmiddleeast.com
- 13Inmarsat宣布在北海推出Fleet LTE服务en.portnews.ru
- 14阿丽亚娜空间公司发射TIBA-1和Inmarsat GX5卫星satellitetoday.com
- 15Addvalue、Inmarsat与Network Innovations推出渔船通信方案businesstimes.com.sg
- 16EGNOS SBAS Host Acquired by Telecom Companyinsidegnss.com
- 17Inmarsat introduces ELERA satellite network for global Internet of Things supportworldoil.com
- 18Inmarsat Launches OneFi, a New Platform for Airlinessatellitetoday.com
- 19Inmarsat to be acquired by Viasatmarinelog.com
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