TECHNOLOGY
Remote control : Inmarsat focuses on utilities
Inmarsat has utilities firmly in its sights as the satellite provider targets new opportunities in the energy sector
WRITTEN BY : DOMINIC ELLIS
Steven Tompkins , Director of Sector Development , Inmarsat
Amid such digitally transformative times , traditional boundaries continue to break down and preconceived notions of companies ’ capabilities are constantly being redefined .
Inmarsat , which was ostensibly set up in 1979 as an inter-government agency by the UN ’ s International Maritime Organisation to provide ubiquitous connectivity for vessels , is a case in point . While still very much active in the maritime sector , along with other traditional strongholds such as aviation , government and defence , its profile continues to broaden in line with the growth in broadband , digital and satellite technology .
That means the energy sector – one it has served for a number of years – is now being targeted with renewed vigour as demand rises for better connectivity , modern smart grids and data analytics .
“ Utilities is a big focus for us , and with the onset of automation and need for high connectivity in the field , it ’ s a really good fit for satellite communications ,” explains Steven Tompkins , Director of Sector Development at Inmarsat .
106 May 2021