INMARSAT AND AXIOM TELECOM SIGN EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT FOR GLOBAL SATELLITE PHONE DISTRIBUTION

7th June 2007 – Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, signed today an exclusive agreement with Axiom Telecom, one of the world’s largest retailers and distributors of mobile communications products, to manage the global distribution of Inmarsat’s forthcoming mobile and fixed satellite phones.

The agreement forms a core component of Inmarsat’s go-to-market strategy for its new handheld satellite phones, which will be available through Inmarsat’s distribution partners.  Axiom Telecom will support the Inmarsat channel as the exclusive logistics and repair partner for Inmarsat’s new voice services – stocking products, fulfilling orders, and providing maintenance services for the suite of handheld, fixed and maritime terminals and related peripherals.

Inmarsat’s satellite phones will be the only satellite communications products distributed by Axiom Telecom from 1 January 2009.

Inmarsat will launch the new voice services from early Q3 2007.  Initially available for service coverage across the Middle East, Asia and Africa, the satellite phones will undergo an extensive development programme before a global roll-out of the service at the end of 2008.

“As a respected partner of leading international mobile brands, and a founding member of the Braxda alliance, Axiom Telecom will bring world class capabilities and experience to the distribution of our new satellite phones,” said Michael Butler, President and COO of Inmarsat. “Their logistics services will offer valuable support to our distribution partners, enabling our channel to focus their resources on sales, customer support and service innovation, and provide the solid platform from which we launch and establish our satellite phones in the global market.”

Faisal Al Bannai, CEO of Axiom Telecom, said: “Axiom Telecom and Inmarsat share a common vision for delivering quality services to customers around the world.  Our experience of delivering critical logistics services to global mobile communications companies, together with Inmarsat’s unrivalled heritage in satellite communications, will be a compelling proposition for anyone who needs reliable voice telephony beyond the reach of terrestrial networks.”
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About Axiom Telecom

Founded in 1997 by its CEO and local entrepreneur Faisal Al Bannai, Axiom Telecom is the largest mobile wireless retailer in the Middle East with revenues exceeding Dhs four billion.

Axiom Telecom is the largest retailer and distributor of mobile and wireless solutions in the Middle East, with over 500 outlets across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman. Axiom currently employs over 2000 staff and has direct partnerships with the world’s leading GSM mobile brands including Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, Samsung, LG and i-mate. 

In addition to mobile retail and distribution, Axiom Telecom is also a partner of 2nd GSM operator, du in UAE and 2nd GSM operator, Mobily in KSA..  It has the region’s largest service centre infrastructure and has won several independent customer service awards over the years for maintaining highest standards in customer care. In a major significant development in 2005, TECOM – a member of the prestigious Dubai Holding Group – took a significant share in Axiom.