Newsroom
FURUNO and JRC Invest in New JSAT MOBILE Joint Venture
--Leading marine electronics manufacturers support mission to serve mobile communications needs of Japanese market--
Bethesda, Maryland, November 6, 2008 - Stratos Global Corporation (Stratos) today announced that FURUNO Electric Co., Ltd. (FURUNO) and Japan Radio Co., Ltd. (JRC) and have become shareholders in JSAT MOBILE Communications Inc. (JSAT MOBILE). FURUNO and JRC, both leading marine electronics manufacturers, will each assume a 10 percent share in JSAT MOBILE.
Stratos formed the joint venture company JSAT MOBILE in August with SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation (SKY Perfect JSAT) to serve the mobile satellite communications needs of Japanese businesses and government agencies. Stratos is a leading global provider of advanced mobile and fixed-site remote communications solutions. SKY Perfect JSAT is a leading satellite operator in the Asia-Pacific region.
Later this year, JSAT MOBILE will begin offering the Japanese market the latest Inmarsat broadband mobile satellite services, including BGAN, FleetBroadband and SwiftBroadband. Both JRC and FURUNO are leading manufacturers of maritime satellite communications equipment.
FleetBroadband from Stratos provides cost-effective, high-speed data and voice communications - available simultaneously - at speeds up to 432kpbs. The service provides ship managers with broadband connectivity to their ships. This enables the managers to improve ship operations and offer innovative crew-communications solutions that support the recruitment and retention of well-trained seafarers.
"The addition of FURUNO and JRC as shareholders is further proof that JSAT MOBILE is dedicated to providing the Japanese market with the latest mobile satellite services and strong local support," said Stratos President and CEO Jim Parm.
JSAT MOBILE President and CEO Kei Shibuya said, "Both FURUNO and JRC are intimately familiar with the Japanese market. Their participation in JSAT MOBILE will help ensure an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction."
About JSAT MOBILE
JSAT MOBILE brings Stratos' extensive portfolio of mobile satellite services (MSS), including both Inmarsat and Iridium services, to the Japanese market. The Stratos portfolio includes a wide range of value-added services to help customers achieve optimal communications performance and cost efficiency.
JSAT MOBILE will begin offering mobile satellite services later this year to end users that operate internationally. By the first quarter of 2009, JSAT MOBILE expects to receive all necessary regulatory approvals to provide its MSS portfolio for use in Japan and on Japanese-registered vessels and aircrafts.
As part of its broad solution offering, JSAT MOBILE will provide MSS services made possible by the last generation of Inmarsat I-4 satellites. Those services are expected to be available worldwide, including full service capabilities in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region, beginning March 1, 2009.
About FURUNO
Founded in 1948, FURUNO is one of the world's largest marine electronics manufacturers. For more information, visit www.furuno.co.jp/en/.
About JRC
Founded in 1915, JRC is one of Japan's leading providers of wireless technology, radio equipment and radar systems. For more information, visit www.jrc.co.jp/eng/.
About SKY Perfect JSAT
SKY Perfect JSAT is Japan's first private-sector satellite operator. Founded in 1985, it has become the largest satellite operator in the Asia-Pacific region, with 12 satellites covering Asia, Oceania, Hawaii and North America. SKY Perfect JSAT's mission is to support businesses and enhance the daily lives of consumers through the use of satellite communications. To achieve this mission, the Company provides a wide range of services, including satellite TV platform SKY PerfecTV! and SKY PerfecTV!e2. The Company also provides video transmission and data communications services for corporations, as well as services that help bridge the digital divide for public-service organizations and government agencies. For more information visit www.sptvjsat.com/en/.
About Stratos
Stratos is the world's trusted leader for vital communications. Stratos offers the most powerful and extensive portfolio of remote communications solutions including mobile and fixed satellite and microwave services. More than 20,000 customers use Stratos products and industry-leading value-added services to optimize communications performance. Stratos serves U.S. and international government, military, first responder, NGO, oil and gas, industrial, maritime, aeronautical, enterprise, and media users on seven continents and across the world's oceans. Stratos is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Inmarsat plc. For more information, visit www.stratosglobal.com.
For additional information :
Carla Riggs
Director, Corporate Communications
+1 709 748 4857
carla.riggs@stratosglobal.com