On August 18, France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications and Inmarsat signed the first distribution agreement for the new BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) service. On its launch in H2 2005, BGAN will be the first mobile satellite communications solution to offer global coverage with data rates of up to 432 Kbps. Initially developed for land-based markets, maritime and aero versions of BGAN are currently planned for commercial launch in 2007. The service will be available via a portfolio of small, portable terminals, offering guaranteed throughputs at various speeds. Voice communications and data transfer via a 64 Kbps ISDN channel will also be possible.