The second Boeing-built Inmarsat-5 satellite has sent its first signals from orbit, an essential step toward establishing Inmarsat’s Global Xpress network, which Boeing says will be the first global, high-speed mobile broadband service.

“This second satellite brings us one step closer to providing global, mobile broadband service to commercial and government customers around the world,” said Mark Spiwak, president, Boeing Satellite Systems International. “The Global Xpress network will change the way people communicate. Its success to date is a testament to our team’s dedication and the solid relationship between Boeing and Inmarsat.”

Launched on an International Launch Services Proton Breeze M rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Feb. 1 at 7:31 a.m. EST, controllers confirmed the satellite was operating normally approximately 15 and a half hours later. After reaching final orbit, the satellite will complete several tests and additional manoeuvres before officially beginning service for Inmarsat.

The Inmarsat-5 satellite series will enable services that include worldwide mobile broadband communications for ships; in-flight connectivity for airline passengers and high-resolution video, voice and data streaming.

A third Inmarsat-5 satellite is scheduled for launch in the first half of this year, completing the Global Xpress constellation. A fourth Inmarsat-5 satellite, scheduled for delivery in 2016, is in production in El Segundo, Calif.

Inmarsat also has contracted Boeing Commercial Satellite Services to provide L- and Ka-band payload capacity and managed services to potential government customers.