OSLO and ROCKVILLE, Md. -- Telenor Satellite Services today announced it has completed installation of its dedicated leased line offering Inmarsat Regional Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) users access to a secure transmission path for their high-speed data communications.

Telenor's dedicated leased line provides full and Virtual Private Network (VPN) capabilities as new options to customers in need of secure, high-speed, rapid access to corporate networks. These options provide secure Internet connectivity for users of Regional BGAN service.

This new private network capability is available for Regional BGAN users exclusively from Telenor Satellite Services.

Regional BGAN delivers reliable Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity at data speeds of up to 144 kbps. The service affords enterprise customers, governments, global and regional businesses, and educational organizations the ability to efficiently extend their networks and access the Internet, via satellite, regardless of the local communications infrastructure. Regional BGAN coverage encompasses Europe, North and Central Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian sub-continent.

"Private Networks have become increasingly important to remote users and mobile users needing to communicate with corporate networks, without time or location restrictions," said Tore Hilde, chief executive officer of Telenor Satellite Services. "With the installation of our dedicated leased line, Telenor is again at the forefront of the industry by securely extending access to our innovative and comprehensive portfolio of value added services, using Inmarsat's Regional BGAN system."

Telenor's dedicated leased line interconnects the Regional BGAN Point of Presence (POP) located at its communications facility at Eik in Norway to the Inmarsat Satellite Access Station at Fucino, Italy, providing users greater security for their transmissions. This Telenor service enhancement is a business advantage for Telenor users, affording customers a high quality, secure interconnection to the Eik facility, direct and seamless connection to the Internet, and access to Telenor's portfolio of value added services.

Dedicated leased line service is available from Telenor Satellite Services beginning August 4, 2003.

Telenor ASA

Inmarsat Ltd.