Inmarsat Enables Live Coverage of the 2011-12 Volvo Ocean Race as Crews Sprint for Lorient

LONDON, June 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT.L), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, brings live coverage of the penultimate leg of the 2011-12 Volvo Ocean Race direct into the homes of race followers around the world.

Live video streaming is being provided by Inmarsat's market-leading FleetBroadband 500™ service. It has brought the 2011-12 race to life through high quality live video footage direct from the race boats via the Inmarsat 4 constellation of satellites. Also onboard is a FleetBroadband 150™ for additional voice and data connectivity.

As they race towards Lorient the crews have been providing regular live broadcasts and interviews to the thousands of fans following the race online.

"Having FleetBroadband on the boats has revolutionised the way that we can bring the biggest and most challenging around-the-world yacht race to a global audience," said Jon Bramley, Director of Communications at Volvo Ocean Race. He added: "The Inmarsat service has been flawless and has enabled us to show live video even from the most extreme conditions of the Southern Ocean."  

"As the race draws nearer to its exciting conclusion and as the drama levels rise the live coverage over FleetBroadband really brings the race to life," said Chris McLaughlin, Inmarsat's Vice President of External Affairs.

The FB500 and FB150 have been well used by all teams enabling them to link up with news broadcasters and they have now clocked up hundreds of live interviews from the oceans. This has given the teams and their sponsors widespread media coverage and kept them in touch with their fans.

Each boat is also fitted with Inmarsat C for position reporting and to benefit from the Global Maritime Distress & Safety Service (GMDSS), which Inmarsat provides globally at no cost.

The race boats also carry Inmarsat's flagship satellite phone, IsatPhone Pro, in their rescue packs.

To follow the latest action from the race visit http://www.volvooceanrace.com

About Inmarsat

Inmarsat plc is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services.  Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing reliable voice and high-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and other organizations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air.  Inmarsat employs around 1,500 staff in more than 40 locations around the world, with a presence in the major ports and centres of commerce on every continent. For the year ended 31st December 2011, Inmarsat plc had total revenue of US$1,409 million and an EBITDA of US$854 million.  Inmarsat is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:ISAT.L). For more information, please visit http://www.inmarsat.com.