Vizada (News - Alert), an independent satellite communications provider, has been selected by Inmarsat (News - Alert) as a distribution partner for its Global Satellite Phone Services, or “GSPS.”

GSPS includes a family of handheld satellite phones which allows users to make voice calls, send text messages and use GPS navigation services from anywhere in the world. Vizada and Inmarsat are involved in the launch of IsatPhone Pro, a handheld product suitable for land-based users. 

The companies have planned to launch the product in the second quarter 2010 followed by other maritime and secure products from the GSPS family. 

The IsatPhone Pro will be most suitable for customers based in remote areas who need a reliable and rapidly-deployable handheld phone which features global coverage for safety, on-site coordination and contact with headquarters among others. Company sources said that the IsatPhone will meet the needs of governments, military customers, journalists, NGO workers and remotely located employees of mining and oil & gas companies.

Vizada’s IsatPhone Pro service includes training, 24-hour customer care and trouble shooting assistance along with several applications and tools form the Vizada Solutions portfolio. This includes prepaid solutions, access to The Source, Vizada’s Web-based information system for service providers to track and manage GSPS end-user accounts, and Satellite Direct for low-cost fixed to mobile calling.

“Vizada is the leading provider of handheld satellite service in the world today, and we are delighted to include Inmarsat’s IsatPhone Pro in our portfolio,” Bob Baker, President and COO, Vizada Americas, said. 

Perry Melton, chief operating officer of Inmarsat was pleased with the idea of Vizada becoming a launch distribution partner for Inmarsat’s Global Satellite Phone (News - Alert) Services. 

“Vizada will be able to draw on many years’ experience of distributing Inmarsat services, with a wide range of value-added services that will be highly beneficial for introducing these new services globally,” Melton said.

Vizada provides global satellite communications to commercial, military and business aircraft, merchant shipping vessels, emergency response teams, government and military units, news gathering organizations and large enterprises. It offers fixed and mobile communications services via multiple satellite network operators like Eutelsat, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Iridium and others. 

Gateway (News - Alert) access to these networks is provided through the Vizada Global Teleport Network. Vizada Solutions provides technologies for IP & networking, messaging, business tools, prepaid solutions, fixed2mobile services and secure communications.