The Inmarsat Regional BGAN satellite IP modem, developed by Hughes Network Systems (HNS), has received a five- star rating from PC Pro in its February issue.

The Inmarsat Regional Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) modem offers standard USB, Ethernet or Bluetooth wireless connectivity for laptops, PDAs or other mobile data terminals and can simultaneously send and receive packet data over a shared, 144 Kbps secure channel. The BGAN network delivers IP GPRS-type services throughout India, Europe, North Africa, Middle East. It alllows access to the Internet, company intranets and to transfer files. PC Pro considered the modem to offer a more reliable. connection than a ground-based GSM/GPRS connection.

PC Pro considers the future growth potential of the Inmarsat solution made possible by the HNS designed Regional BGAN modem, to be extremely strong.

MD Inmarsat Michael Butler said, "The launch of Inmarsat Regional BGAN is an important milestone in the provision of high-speed mobile data services to the UK business community. It is truly a quantum leap in the delivery of cost-effective, reliable, high-speed wireless data services via satellite, which enables businesses to operate without the constraints of terrestrial networks. With the launch of Inmarsat Regional BGAN the idea of the mobile office has become a reality, providing freedom and flexibility for businesses around the world."

Inmarsat claims to have designed the BGAN satellite IP modem to provide a reliable, fast connection, everywhere within Inmarsat's continent-wide coverage area.