Communiqué PR client Kymeta recently announced an exclusive agreement with Inmarsat, the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, to develop a low-profile, low-power consumption, flat-panel antenna for the airline industry, which will electronically steer the antenna beam to Inmarsat’s Global Xpress satellites.
The news was noteworthy because the major benefit of the partnership is that the technology will provide high-speed Internet services to the business aviation industry for the first time. Airline customers and business jet flyers will be able to use their personnel devices on aircraft, while in flight anywhere in the world. Passengers will be able to perform the same activities at the same speeds they would on land. For example, a business executive could attend a meeting held on Skype, a passenger could stream live television, and email and Internet access would be available at the same speeds it is at most offices.
With this announcement, CPR focused on three main communication objectives:
- Establish Kymeta as a credible satellite technology company that has gained market acceptance of its innovative technology (MSA-T), which is a critical link in delivering next-generation satellite broadband technology.
- Build awareness of Kymeta/Inmarsat high-speed Internet offering to key industries: airlines, broadband providers, satellite communication providers.
- Enhance awareness of Kymeta as a satellite communications provider to multiple industries (maritime, railway, logistics, disaster recovery, oil and gas exploration, etc.).
The press release, timed for distribution in advance of the Satellite 2013 conference, allowed us to combine pitching for the news as well as critical meetings at the trade show. It created buzz ahead of the event and sparked journalists’ interests to meet with Kymeta. By planning appropriately, having solid news, and targeting the right media contacts, CPR secured briefings with five journalists and 19 pieces of coverage to date. A sample of coverage follows:
- “Will Bill Gates’ Kymeta shake up the inflight entertainment and connectivity industry?” APEX, March 25, 2013
- “Kymeta: Is this Bill Gates’ next billion-dollar company?,” GeekWire, March 21, 2013
- “Kymeta/Inmarsat Partner to Develop In-Flight Connectivity Antenna,” TVTechnology.com, March 15, 2013
- “Inmarsat, Kymeta collaborate to bring aviation broadband connectivity to business jets,” BusinessWeek Business Exchange, March 7, 2013
- “LightSquared failure drags Inmarsat profits,” Financial Times, March 7, 2013
- “Inmarsat and Kymeta to launch business aviation broadband solution,” Satellite Pro Middle East, March 7, 2013
- “Inmarsat & Kymeta Partner to Launch Game-Changing Business Aviation Broadband Solution,” Wireless Design & Development, March 6, 2013
- “Kymeta Technology to Be Used to Offer Internet Access on Business Jets,” Seattle Business, March 6, 2013
This is only a snapshot of an impressive list of coverage for the company’s first product announcement. We expect more news on the horizon and look forward to a growing portfolio of news stories for this innovative company!