On the 15th April 2009 Applied Satellite Technology (AST) was awarded Distribution Partner status for Inmarsat Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) services.
AST has sold Inmarsat services since the early 90’s and has grown to become one of Inmarsat’s largest global Service Providers. This appointment is a significant milestone for AST as it strengthens the relationship with Inmarsat and affirms AST’s status in the global satellite communications business.
Inmarsat has stood at the forefront of the mobile satellite services for nearly 30 years. They are internationally recognised as the industry leader with a reputation for delivering consistently reliable services to a global market. With the successful launch and subsequent repositioning of their new I4 satellites, Inmarsat now offer a global broadband service with up to 384kbps using compact portable terminals.
Gregory Darling , Managing Director of Applied Satellite Technology, commented: "Gaining Distribution Partner status means that for the first time AST can buy services directly from Inmarsat, which will lead to improved services and choice for our clients along with improved capability for AST. A pleasing and positive development."
"With several years’ experience of advising customers on how to maximise the benefits of BGAN, AST was a natural choice of distribution partner for the service," said Perry Melton, Chief Operating Officer of Inmarsat. "We are excited about AST using their expertise to take BGAN into new areas, advising end users who perhaps haven’t previously considered mobile broadband by satellite, but where there is a need for enhanced mobile connectivity and an untapped potential to grow our business."
With offices in the UK, Asia, Australia and Africa the AST Group has an established international reseller network through which they sell Inmarsat, Iridium, Thuraya and V-Sat services. In addition AST hold a Global Master Distributor status for Thrane and Thrane satellite and radio equipment with distribution centres in the UK and Singapore.
