L-band
Our reliable, resilient, and technologically advanced L-band satellite network.
On land, at sea and in the air: L-band is driving innovation around the world
In a world where billions of new devices are connected every year, L-band helps power an always-on global digital society. Its secure narrowband network offers 99.9% reliability — and the L-band speeds customers depend on. It is underpinned by our sixth-generation hybrid satellites to support a new wave of capabilities as well as global safety and mission-critical services.
I-4
Our award-winning Inmarsat-4 (I-4) fleet of satellites established the world’s first global 3G mobile network and introduced always-on, seamless high-speed connectivity to every corner of the world
- Launched between 2005-2008
- Powering simultaneous voice and data, and IoT services
- Each I-4 satellite can generate up to 19 wide beams and more than 200 narrow spot beams
Alphasat
Alphasat was launched in 2013 as a supplement to the I-4 fleet. It provides coverage over Europe, the Middle East and Africa, bringing new capabilities including 50% more accessible L-band spectrum and nearly 20% more mobile communication channels than the I-4s.
I-6
The I-6 satellite is one of the most sophisticated commercial communications satellites ever to be launched. As our first hybrid satellite, I-6 is designed to enhance capabilities, coverage, and capacity for our L-band and GX communications networks for global mobility, government, and Internet of Things (IoT) customers.
- Launched in 2021
- Features L-band and Ka-band communications payloads
- Powers 50% more L-band capacity than the entire 1-4 fleet and provides coverage over the Indian Ocean
I-8
The I-8s are expected to secure the future of our critical L-band safety services into the 2040s and beyond, providing additional capacity and resilience, alongside the I-6 satellites. The satellites are designed with radionavigation transponders for Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) services to enable precision tracking for safety navigation on aircraft and maritime safety and are expected to open new capabilities in machine-to-machine tracking for industries such as agriculture and transport.