Commercial Satellite Communications Services

Satellite Communications Services can be used everywhere, but at open sea they are the only means of global communication for voice and data. As such they are mandatory for most commercial vessels and strongly advisable for all other ships that go to open seas. See International Maritime Regulations.

Very useful Satellite Communications services for ships on open seas

Inmarsat

There are several Inmarsat Systems:

-Inmarsat A, which will be withdrawn as from 31 December 2007, uses analog technology and offers telephone, fax, telex and data transmission services and is compliant with the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

-Inmarsat B uses worldwide digital transmission to connect mobile terminals to terrestrial networks or other mobiles. With the High Speed Data function, it provides high output, up to 64kB/s. It constitutes one of the elements in the GMDSS.

-Inmarsat C is a bilateral mail service that offers total communication liberty and absolute confidentiality. It allows the exchange messages with computers, telex, fax or with other Inmarsat satellite mobiles. Inmarsat C is also compliant with the GMDSS.

-Inmarsat mini-C offers the same primary functions as Inmarsat C through a lower-power, more cost-effective terminal. It is also GMDSS compatible and meets the requirements for Ship Security Alert Systems (SSAS).

-Inmarsat D+ offers global two-way data communications. Complete with integrated GPS, Inmarsat D+ systems are ideally suited for tracking, tracing, short data messaging and SCADA (Supervisory control and data acquisition) applications.

The Inmarsat E emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) is a key element of GMDSS. Distress alerts are transmitted from the EPIRB when the unit floats free from a sinking vessel, or when activated manually, and are forwarded automatically to a Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre.
-Inmarsat E+ adds a key return channel to the EPIRB, which sends a confirmation to the seafarer that their alert has been received.

-Inmarsat M gives the freedom to telephone everywhere without restrictions and without any exterior constraints. Satellite Communications are transmitted in digital mode for data transfer, fax and voice.

-Inmarsat mini-M is the smallest and lightest Inmarsat terminal. Digital technology for telephone, fax and data (e-mails, files, photos�). Available in maritime and terrestrial versions.

-Inmarsat M4 is a voice and data transmission system with which you can transmit voice, data in circuit mode ISDN at 64kB/s and data in packet mode (MPDS) from any place in the world and from a portable computer-sized terminal.

-Inmarsat Fleet F77 is a successor to the Inmarsat B service for deep-sea vessels. In addition to voice and fax, Fleet F77 provides both Mobile ISDN and the Mobile Packet Data Service (MPDS). F77 also meets the latest distress and safety requirements as specified by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in resolution A.888 for voice pre-emption and prioritization within the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

-Inmarsat Fleet F55 uses a medium-sized antenna for smaller vessels, and offers the 64kbps Mobile ISDN and MPDS capabilities in the spotbeam areas, plus global voice. Does not include a GMDSS component.

-Inmarsat Fleet F33 offers global telephone, as well as the Mobile Packet Data Service (MPDS) and enhanced 9.6kbps data and fax services within the Inmarsat spotbeams, providing a wide range of applications to the small vessel market. Does not include a GMDSS component.

-Inmarsat Regional Bgan (Broadband Global Area Network) lets you connect to the Internet via satellite at 144 kbps. This cost-effective satellite communications service is delivered through a portable satellite IP modem the size of a notebook PC, making it ideal for professionals on the move. The service is available now in over 99 countries and is the fastest commercial portable satellite communications service available.

Iridium

Iridium is the world�s first truly global satellite communications system, a satellite-based, wireless network for voice and data communications in places without terrestrial or cellular coverage. Iridium provides coverage in all ocean areas, air routes and landmasses, even in the North and South Poles and allows two-way global voice, fax and data transmissions.

ORBCOMM

ORBCOMM LLC owns and operates a network consisting of 30 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and terrestrial gateways deployed around the world. Small, low-power, and commercially proven subscriber communicators can connect to private and public networks, including the Internet, via these satellites and gateways. Through this network ORBCOMM delivers information to and from virtually any place in the world on a nearly real-time basis.

Eutelsat

Eutelsat maintains capacity on 21 satellites with another six scheduled to be added in the next two years. The satellites cover all of Europe, Africa and South America, with intercontinental coverage extending across the Pacific and into Asia. About 40% of the capacity is devoted to data and satellite communications networking. Partnering with ViaSat, Eutelsat is offering a new service called D-SAT 160. Billed as a new generation in VSAT services, users get a turnkey service, with no need to manage the network by themselves. One interesting user of the service is Oceancell, which enables GSM roaming aboard oceangoing ships.

VSat (Very Small Aperture Terminal)

The VSat Corporate solution can provide your end user�s businesses with a fast, always on two-way Internet and data connection to the world from over 100 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Unlimited, but controllable use of the Internet 24 hours per day, access corporate information via Virtual Private Networks, and send or receive Emails in real-time at speeds of up to 2 megabits per second.

Globalstar

Globalstar offers a wide range of products and services, designed to support almost any voice or data communications application wherever you live, work or travel. Globalstar mobile phones function as both cellular and satellite phones, allowing you to stay in touch from virtually anywhere with reliable voice and data services.

Thuraya

Thuraya was launched in October 2000 to offer high quality, affordable satellite communications to areas of high population, where coverage of GSM does not exist or is limited. The coverage area includes North and Central Africa, Middle East, India, Central Asia and Europe. Thuraya uses the latest available Satellite technology, and provides the first truly pocket size handheld telephone, with exceptional voice clarity and low airtime rates, including the use of low denomination Pre Pay scratch cards. Thuraya is an advanced geo-synchronous mobile satellite system providing access to Satellite and GSM 900 services from the same handset. See also our GPS phones page.

Marine-Sat

Marine Sat satellite phone service provides digital voice, fax, data, and voice dispatch services to users in most of North America, its surrounding waters and the Caribbean. Marine Sat service is an ideal form of satellite communications for maritime, aeronautical, fixed site, land mobile, and transportable users. The advantages are its low monthly rates and per-minute charges, its voice dispatch (two-way radio) feature and its excellent coverage of North America and the Caribbean.

Land-Sat

Land Sat satellite phone service provides digital voice, fax, data, and voice dispatch services to users in most of North America and the Caribbean. It uses the same satellite system as Marine Sat. Land Sat service is an ideal form of satellite communication for aeronautical, fixed site, land mobile, and transportable users. The advantages are its low monthly rates and per-minute charges, its voice dispatch (two-way radio) feature and its excellent coverage of North America and the Caribbean.

Top of Satellite Communications page