Beginning in about a year, medium-size corporate and military operators will be able to acquire an economical single-band two-way voice and datalink that will transmit at seven times the current speed.

EMS Technologies of Atlanta and Ottawa, Ontario (Booth 2422) introduced its new 64-kilobit system with the working name of M4 (for Multi Media Mini M) at a media briefing here Tuesday. The company is currently working on a permanent name.

Brad Smith, EMS director of Satcom products, said the equipment should be available in the fourth quarter of 2000 at a target price of $60,000-$70,000 installed. The antenna, also being developed by EMS, can be mounted in the tail or on the fuselage using the same form factor as current Aero H/H and Satcom antennas. A multi-channel version for commercial and large transport operators is under development for introduction at a later date. An upgrade to a two-band version providing 128-kbs speed is also being developed.

EMS Technologies has reached agreement with British Telecom Ltd. of London to provide the service using the existing three satellites from Inmarsat, British Telecom and EMS Technologies. It will offer both circuit switch and packet data at 64 kbs. British Telecom has teamed with Excite, one of the world's largest internet portals. The new data service will provide low-cost internet access by allowing the passengers to store the majority of its content with time-critical information broadcast on a regular basis. Passengers will be able to use the service to access their home and company e-mail or intranets.