COMSAT Mobile Communications, a business unit of Lockheed Martin Global Telecommunications, plans to be the first to offer Inmarsat high-speed data service to the aeronautical market. Currently undergoing final quality testing, COMSAT Aero High Speed Data (HSD) service is planned to be available commercially in the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean regions by the end of the year. Commercial service in the Indian Ocean Region is planned to begin during the first quarter of next year.

The service uses integrated services digital network (ISDN) technology and provides connections at speeds of 64 Kbps permitting users to transfer large files. Users also can e-mail and fax, participate in video and teleconferences, and connect to their corporate LAN/WAN.

The Bethesda, Md.-based COMSAT Aero HSD allows users to browse the Internet at speeds higher than those allowed by conventional dial-up modems. The service also offers secure communications over a range of terminals including STU-III, STU-IIB, KIV7, and STE.

"COMSAT Mobile's new aeronautical high-speed data service offers seamless continuity of important day-to-day activities for customers traveling in corporate, government, and commercial passenger aircraft, allowing them to maintain decision-making speed, increase productivity, and capitalize on new business opportunities - while in flight," said Kathryn Y. Holman, vice president and general manager of COMSAT Mobile Communications.

COMSAT also provides maritime and land mobile data, high-speed data, Internet access, and voice communications services to customers worldwide via the Inmarsat satellite system.