France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications to Become First Sales Associate for Connexion by Boeing Maritime Service

SEATTLE, April 05, 2006 -- Connexion by Boeing, a business unit of The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], today announced that France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications has been selected as the first sales associate to offer the Connexion by Boeing maritime high-speed connectivity service to the commercial shipping industry.

Connexion by Boeing is the first satellite-based, high-speed Internet system which allows transoceanic maritime vessels access to information they need at speeds significantly higher than those of existing maritime communications systems. The service provides data rates up to 256 kbps from the vessel to the satellite and data rates up to 5 mbps from the satellite to the vessel. The high data rate enables multiple, simultaneous maritime users to access the Internet, corporate intranet, and e-mail, as well as obtain additional information for vessel management such as weather, routing and port information.

Connexion by Boeing’s maritime service offers 2,000 minutes of high-speed data connectivity, 100 minutes of voice service, and access to the Connexion by Boeing global live television lineup for $2,800 per month per ship, inclusive of equipment.

France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications will leverage its strong sales network to supply maritime companies around the world with the Connexion by Boeing solution. France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications will begin offering the Connexion by Boeing maritime service immediately.

"We are gratified to be bringing to the maritime industry the advantages of innovative high-speed connectivity which Connexion by Boeing pioneered and brought to the aviation and aerospace market" said Sean Schwinn, director of Connexion by Boeing’s maritime business. "It is an exciting time for Connexion by Boeing and we are pleased to have France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications join us as our first maritime sales associate. Their global presence and reputation for innovation is a perfect complement to our global, high speed, and affordable service"

"We are delighted to further strengthen our wide range of mobile satcom services for high-end users, an essential factor in catering for the varied needs of maritime professionals" said Erik Ceuppens, CEO of France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications. "I am convinced that the close ties we have built internationally, combined with our solid experience in the maritime sector will allow us to match end users’ needs for an innovative broadband solution"

The announcement of the first Connexion by Boeing maritime sales associate follows an eventful year in 2005 for the Connexion by Boeing maritime offering, which saw the unveiling of pricing for the maritime service, as well as an agreement with Teekay Shipping to be the launch customer for the maritime service.

About Connexion by Boeing
Connexion by Boeing is, for the third year running, the recipient of the World Travel Award for World’s Leading High-Speed In-flight Internet Services Provider. In 2005 IDC wireless services analysts named Connexion by Boeing as one of the wireless companies to watch. Connexion by Boeing also is the recipient of Network Magazine’s Innovation Awards 2005 honor for "Product Breakthrough" Through a broadband connection to an equipped airplane, high-speed Internet, data and entertainment connectivity is delivered directly to travelers in flight, with prices starting at US$9.95. The Connexion by Boeing service is available today on flights offered by Lufthansa, SAS, Japan Airlines, ANA, Singapore Airlines, China Airlines, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, El Al Israel Airlines, and Etihad Airways. Austrian Airlines and Air China have announced their intent to offer the Connexion by Boeing service on their long-range airplanes in the near future. Connexion by Boeing also offers a high-speed connectivity solution for the business aviation and maritime markets. For additional information please visit www.connexionbyboeing.com.

About France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications
France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications is a subsidiary of France Telecom which markets satellite mobile services (Inmarsat, Thuraya and Iridium). The professional customer base involves a wide range of marine sectors (navy, merchant navy, pleasure boats, cruisers and fishing boats), the media, NGOs, security, construction, the oil and transport industry. In 2005, France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications generated a turnover of €165 million. It has a very active distribution network abroad (100 distributors) and sales offices in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Algeria, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and the United States. France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications has a 20% market share of Inmarsat, Thuraya and Iridium. Customer support centre: +33 5 56 22 32 31. Website: www.francetelecom-mobilesat.com.

Contact Information

Sherry Nebel

The Boeing Company

Connexion by Boeing

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