Stratos Global Corporation (Stratos) announced that Furono Electric Co., Ltd. (Furuno) and Japan Radio Co., Ltd. (JRC) and have become shareholders in JSAT Mobil Communications Inc. (JSAT Mobile). Furuno and JRC, both 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 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.
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.
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