Inmarsat offers the Velaris connectivity solution for UAVs.

Inmarsat is making a new play in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market. It has teamed up with Australian company Harvest Technology Group (Harvest) to offer HD streaming to UAVs with its Velaris connectivity solution. The two companies announced the collaboration Feb. 10.

Inmarsat said the combination of its Velaris connectivity solution and Harvest’s network optimized livestreaming technology will allow commercial operators of UAVs to securely stream HD video, images, voice, and data in real-time. The ability to stream aerial footage and important sensory data allows UAV operations to be managed remotely, with an 80% reduction in data usage on existing networks. In addition to enhancing critical decision-making, this will also limit the risk of placing personnel in dangerous or costly environments, both in industry settings and in supporting emergency rescue, disaster relief and crisis response efforts.

“We are excited about bringing together the unique individual strengths of Harvest Technology Group and Inmarsat to benefit customers in the commercial UAV market. As part of the Velaris Partner Network, we will deliver an innovative, world-class solution that combines our top-tier security, encryption and data transfer with the seamless global connectivity offered by Inmarsat’s Velaris. And together, we will also continue to develop additional game-changing capabilities to support the rapid growth expected in this industry over the coming years,” Paul Guilfoyle, Harvest Technology Group’s Group CEO, said in a statement.