Inmarsat Supporting the Race2Recovery Team In The Dakar Rally 5 – 19 January

LONDON - 4 January 2013 - Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT.L), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, is backing a first ever attempt by injured British and US service personnel to complete the toughest event in motorsport, which starts on Saturday (January 5).

Inmarsat is providing vital satellite communications equipment and services to the five driving members of the British-based Race2Recovery team, which will be competing in the 2013 Dakar Rally from Lima to Santiago. This team of volunteers are racing to inspire those who are injured, disabled or facing adversity. They are the first team of predominantly injured servicemen and women to complete the formidable Dakar Rally and will also be raising money for a Help for Heroes project, the Tedworth House Personnel Recovery Centre, in Wiltshire, which provides vital support for injured servicemen and women.

During the tortuous 8,000km rally, the team will stay connected at all times, whether on the move or at the halt, using Inmarsat global satellite broadband BGAN terminals for internet and data services, and eight IsatPhone Pro satellite phones.

Race2Recovery will rely on Inmarsat’s services to maintain contact even in the most remote locations, such as the Atacama Desert and the Andes mountain range. They will be able to video link with the mechanical and logistics crews back at base in the UK, post updates on the charity’s website, Facebook and Twitter, and seek help in the case of medical or mechanical emergencies.

Captain Tony Harris, Race2Recovery’s team Co-Director and a former Captain in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, said: "The Inmarsat BGAN terminal means that our Race2Recovery team can rely on great voice and broadband connectivity in even the most remote of locations. The kit is incredibly simple, lightweight and compact, and is great for updating social media sites with texts and photos and for sending emails."

Andy Start, President, Global Government at Inmarsat, said: "With reliable communications, individuals with injuries or disabilities can aspire to reach their goals. However risky and remote the environment, the team can reach their goals with the reassurance that support is just a call or video chat away. Inmarsat’s support for the Race2Recovery team as it competes in the Dakar Rally builds on our longstanding association with this ultimate driving event."

Recognising the significance of the team effort, Race2Recovery has been awarded the first ever grant from the Endeavour Fund, set up by The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

Race2Recovery: www.race2recovery.com / @race2recovery
Dakar Rally: http://www.dakar.com/dakar/2013/us/route.html

About Inmarsat

Inmarsat plc is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services. Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing reliable voice and high-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and other organizations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air. Inmarsat employs around 1,500 staff in more than 40 locations around the world, with a presence in the major ports and centres of commerce on every continent. For more information, please visit www.inmarsat.com

About Race2Recovery

Race2Recovery is a team of volunteers, racing to inspire those who are injured, disabled or facing adversity, by being the first team of predominantly injured servicemen to complete the formidable Dakar Rally in South America, in January 2013. R2R raises money for a Help for Heroes project, the Tedworth House recovery centre in Wiltshire, where injured servicemen and women can receive every kind of support. Tedworth House is one of five Personnel Recovery Centres that have been established as part of the Defence Recovery Capability, an MOD led initiative in partnership with Help for Heroes and The Royal British Legion.