Inmarsat has made SatCom Group a full distribution partner for its forthcoming satellite phone services scheduled to be introduced in the third quarter, SatCom announced June 11.

Inmarsat’s voice services initially will focus on the African, Middle Eastern and Asian markets, with plans to expand the coverage worldwide by the end of 2008.

Inmarsat’s entry into the handheld voice market follows its collaboration agreement with Asian satellite services operator ACeS.