Inmarsat, the International Maritime Satellite Organisation is really serious about taking Motorola Inc’s Iridium on in the satellite mobile telephony business, and has attracted L M Ericsson Telefon AB as a major partner to its Project 21. We have said we intend to participate with our technology on the cellular side, and we see this as an excellent complement to existing cellular networks, Per Bengtsson, head of information at Ericsson radio communications told Reuters. Inmarsat says the 72-country London-based consortium has been reviewing its ownership structure in tandem with its preparation for a $1,500m to $3,000m investment in the new global system: it is currently run as a co-operative with ownership and financing is apportioned on a basis of traffic volume with Comsat Corp, 24.6%, British Telecommunications Plc, 11.7% and Norwegian Telecom, over 10%, the three major shareholders. Inmarsat is reportedly looking at making stakes tradable and bringing in new investors.
