A: The most significant growth driver for mobile SATCOM access is the change in warfare toward more unconventional operations. We are seeing fewer troops deployed, but they have significantly greater mobility and disconnected operations. Inmarsat’s converged IP voice and data on the Broadband Global Area Network [BGAN] supplies full network connectivity to units needing agile comms-on-the-move. This equipment travels with them, whether on mobile platforms or with the dismounted soldier. With net-centric operations, there is also an increased reliance on access to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, which similarly drives the growth of mobile SATCOM. Greater mobility, a smaller number of troops and a significant reliance on situational awareness require different applications, all of which Inmarsat provides across its secure IPbased network.

Another factor driving mobile SATCOM growth is that civil governments now want the same type of situational awareness and security that the military expects. The fires in California are a good example of how fire-and-rescue and other first-responders have an increased reliance on mobile satellite services. When network and landlines are down for any reason, commercial and mobile SATCOM provides real-time data at the very front of a fire brigade, providing real-time mapping or other vital information to aid the fire and rescue response. Civil governments can now have the same level of communications for security, rapid response, and disaster preparedness that the military has enjoyed for years.

Q: How will the changing nature of military activity in Iraq and Afghanistan affect Inmarsat’s business?

A: The gradual withdrawal of troops from Iraq has changed the profile of utilization. Combatant commanders have traded boots on the ground for eyes in the sky. There is shift in the profile of users, in part because Iraq has become more dependent on fibre networks and fixed satellite services. In Afghanistan, we are seeing a significant take-up of our service across the entire coalition, both because of the geographic scope of Afghanistan and because of significant mobile operations. Afghanistan has a different operational profile than Iraq and has an increased presence of special ops and small unit forces across a broad geographic area. These units across the coalition are heavily reliant on secure BGAN capabilities.

Q: How do you see increased competition in mobile SATCOM impacting Inmarsat’s government business?

A: While we do see a number of regional mobile satellite providers that may provide a level of mobile satellite services, there is no other service provider that provides the same gold standard of reliability, assurance and consistency that we offer at Inmarsat. Our Inmarsat-4 constellation, with its wide range of converged IP network services, is providing tomorrow’s IP technology today on a network that is readily available, completely funded, and fully reliable. There may be other MSS satellite operators, no question. But there is also only one Inmarsat, providing superior quality of service that our broad range of customers have enjoyed for over 30 years.

Q: How do you see the U.S. government changing how it purchases commercial SATCOM?

A: The Department of Defense has undertaken a number of reviews over the past years and is now in the midst of the Space Posture Review [SPR]. Among other areas of focus, it will examine increased partnerships with the commercial satellite industry as well as the international space community. I see this as a very positive step forward and a significant example of how DoD is exploring ways to make real the latest iteration of the Transformational Communication Architecture [TCA v 3], which actually incorporates commercial SATCOM as a critical element. All indications are that the department and the government in general are looking at stronger relationships with commercial satellite operators across the board. This is not unprecedented in the international defense arena, whether it’s the Paradigm relationship with the U.K. Ministry of Defence or other partnerships around the globe.

If DoD comes forward with something that is very progressive as a result of this SPR, the satellite communications acquisition strategy will need to change to implement the policy. I do not see the connection today. This change in policy will require the associated funding strategy for commercial SATCOM. Will DoD intentionally plan, program and fund for this critical enabler of today’s operations, or will it continue to leverage, in its existing ad hoc fashion, supplemental funds that will not be available to them for several years?

It is fundamentally important as we go forward that DoD establish a coherent policy and direction for commercial SATCOM, fund accordingly, and have an aligned acquisition strategy. These elements must come together rapidly to ensure the warfighters have the requisite SATCOM capabilities essential to execute the mission. ♦

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