The first of the new generation Inmarsat 4 (I-4) satellites was launched on 11 March 2005, and is now fully operational, carrying the full set of digital communications services that was previously carried on its predecessor, the Inmarsat-3 satellite in the Indian Ocean region.

The introduction of Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) services will begin later this year, delivering broadband data and voice through mobile satellite terminals. With the second I-4 satellite scheduled for launch in the autumn of 2005, BGAN will offer broadband services to mobile users almost anywhere on the planet.