Global satellite provider Inmarsat says it has recorded a throughput speed in access of 300 megabits per second during live satellite tests of its new Global Xpress (GX) platform, the first high-speed broadband network with global coverage.

The first round of over-the-air tests, held in January 2017, were conducted in conjunction with VT iDirect, Inmarsat’s strategic technology partner for the GX platform, using iDirect’s next-generation DVB-S2X technology. During the tests, Inmarsat says it achieved a forward channel throughput rate of 330 Mbps over a live Inmarsat GX satellite in orbit.

“These tests demonstrate Inmarsat’s commitment to the continuing development of our GX platform, which will be supported by our next generation of satellites, which are already under construction” said Michele Franci, CTO of Inmarsat. “It is important to note that these results were not achieved in laboratory conditions but over a live GX satellite in orbit. We will be able to increase the capabilities of the world’s first, globally available high-speed broadband network and meet the ever escalating bandwidth demands of users.”

Working together, Inmarsat and iDirect intend to gradually introduce these enhanced capabilities to the GX network from 2018-19; deploying the new iDirect technology for end-users across the aviation, maritime, government and enterprise sectors.

http://gcaptain.com/inmarsats-new-global-broadband-network-hits-330-mbps-during-live-tests/