Inmarsat to collaborate with ViaSat on Type 1 encrypted mobile satellite solutions

24-05-2005 - A new collaboration between Inmarsat and ViaSat will develop solutions based on the integration of Inmarsat's forthcoming BGAN mobile satellite service and ViaSat's AltaSec family of programmable, HAIPIS-compliant inline network encryption products.

The two companies will explore ways in which to better serve US Government requirements, with specific emphasis on the Department of Defense. In particular, they will examine the use of HAIPIS encryption devices, such as the NSA-certified KG-250, to secure the Inmarsat BGAN network. BGAN, due for launch later in 2005, is the new voice and 492kbps IP data service that will be available on Inmarsat's next-generation satellites, the Inmarsat-4s, the first of which was launched in March.

Inmarsat and ViaSat have already successfully proven the viability of using the ViaSat KG-250 Type 1 IP Network Encrpytor with Regional BGAN, Inmarsat's 144kbps mobile data service currently serving users in a satellite footprint that covers Europe, the Middle East, Northern Africa and parts of Asia.

The joint development team will also ensure that the planned multicast service for BGAN is optimised for supporting IP encryption, and specifically compatible with the High Assurance IP Equipment Interoperability Specification which is the standard for securing US Government networks.

Michael Butler, Chief Operating Officer of Inmarsat, said: "Inmarsat has a long history of providing the US Government with mobile satellite communications that, when combined with NSA-certified Type 1 encryption devices, can be secured to the highest level. With our BGAN service launch, planned for later in 2005, we will offer these customers unparalleled mobile broadband IP service, and it is essential that this capability can be similarly assured for government users.

"As a clear leader in the field of Type 1 IP encryption, ViaSat is a natural collaborator for Inmarsat. Our joint development work represents practical steps toward an IP-centric, mobile, broadband world".

"ViaSat is well established in providing satellite terminals and networking products for government mobile satellite systems. Inmarsat has long held a strong position in augmenting DoD's organic mobile satellite services and resources," said Mark Dankberg, chairman and CEO of ViaSat. "BGAN extends that capability to the IP-based Global Information Grid. We are very pleased to be working with Inmarsat to extend the scope of our solutions for government mobile satellite users."