CAIRO: Mobile Satellite Company (Inmarsat) launched the first global handheld, IsatPhone Pro, in Egypt, supported by the existing Inmarsat-5 satellite network. “We are excited to launch IsatPhone Pro in Egypt,” said Helene Bazzi, senior area manager of Inmarsat, Middle East and Africa. “With dedicated support to our licensed partners and a highly-competitive price point, we plan to take advantage of the exciting market opportunity in Egypt [as] our partners can now provide an ideal solution to their customers,” she said. Bazzi pointed out that the satellite mobile phone is not in the market to compete with the GSM phones, however adding that when it comes to roaming and international calling, IsatPhone Pro saves more money as it offers the same pricing disregarding the time or place. IsatPhone Pro is primarily designed for professional users in the government, media, aid organizations, oil and gas, mining and construction sectors. However, the handset, accessories and airtime pricing is expected to have a broader appeal to a wide range of users. Beside the satellite telephone, users can send text messages and emails via IsatPhone Pro. In Egypt, people in the government, oil and gas, corporate and maritime sectors rely on mobile satellite services as their mean of communication and the new mobile phone will complement Inmarsat's current satellite communications service. The handset will be available in the market at an estimated retail price of $699, with promotional prices expected to be around $500 to $600. “IsatPhone Pro provides all the essential services for mobile satellite communication. The global handset, complemented by a reliable global network connection, provides clear voice quality across the most remote areas on land and at sea,” explained Drew Brandy, Inmarsat land mobile director. Inmarsat has provided global mobile satellite communications services since 1979, with voice and high-speed data communications with a range of services that can be used on land, sea or air.
