Calling it a "game-changer, Inmarsat has launched its new world-wide handheld satellite phone, the IsatPhone Pro.

With promotional incentives, some IsatPhones could cost below $600.

"We have nowadays entered the handheld satellite mobile phone current market with a worldwide handset," said Inmarsat Chairman and CEO Andrew Sukawaty. "It targets customers served by Inmarsat for decades, each at sea and in the most remote parts with the international landmass. It is supported by our current satellite television network also it utilizes verified technologies customized for use in these environments.

The company stated the mobile phone is rugged and splash- and dust-proof, and it claims the market's longest battery life and most robust handset.

It offers as much as eight hrs speak time and up to 100 hrs on standby. The mobile phone has secured an IP54 rating as well as is dirt-, splash- and shock-resistant. It works from -20 degrees C (-4 F) to +55 degrees C (131 F)

Targeted primarily at professional users in the federal government, media, aid, oil and gas, mining and construction sectors, IsatPhone Professional offers high-quality satellite television telephony, text and e-mail messaging. Location info may also be viewed and sent inside a text message.

The style of IsatPhone Pro, such as a fully-maneuvrable antenna, allows the handset to be placed on its side for quick hands-free use by using Bluetooth. IsatPhone Pro has an intuitive GSM-style interface using a high-visibility color screen, as well as a larger keypad for effortless dialing in gloves. This makes it potentially appealing not just to organizations but additionally to adventurous travelers who wish to ensure they remain contactable when away from cellular selection.

"IsatPhone Pro will undoubtedly shake-up the international handheld current market," mentioned Helen Stalker, Commercial Director for Worldwide Satellite Phone Providers at Inmarsat. "It's the top overall proposition inside the current market.

It carries a retail selling price of US$699, but based on Inmarsat, discounts by distributors could bring it down to as lower as US$500. Actually, SingTel was promoting it for US$549 at the Singapore-based tradeshow in which Inmarsat produced the official announcement of this unit.

It makes use of a 2. 4 Kbps voice codec and promises "competitive" pricing through its distributors. The resellers are AST, China Telecom, Evosat, Korea Telecom, MCN, MVS, Network Innovations, NSSL, RRSat, Satcom Worldwide, Singtel, Stratos as well as Vizada.