H.M.S. Communications, Inc.
 Inmarsat-C
The Inmarsat-C system provides data messaging services through the use of small
lightweight terminals. These units come in fixed, mobile, transportable, maritime and
aeronautical configurations. All configurations employ omni-directional antennas.
Inmarsat-C supports tow-way text and data messaging, data-reporting and fleet broadcast
communications at a data rate of 600 bits/sec.
As of January 1999, there has been more then 50,000 Inmarsat-C terminals in service.
Stratos’ pioneering Inmarsat-C Internet gateway allows vessels to exchange
Internet e-mail without the need for special software and the monthly fees
normally associated with such a service. From individual customers to fleet
managers, Stratos’ Inmarsat-C messaging service provides customers at sea,
and on land, with the communications adaptability they require, including:
· Internet e-mail delivery and confirmation. Shore-side customers,
potentially unfamiliar with satellite communications, benefit from Stratos’
free
delivery notification on all Internet e-mail messages. Stratos also provides
an
optional delivery notification service for vessels.
· Enhanced Telex capabilities. Stratos’ Inmarsat-C service means
ship-side
Telex machines are provided with connectivity to Internet e-mail and fax
networks. In addition, fixed users can avoid the costs of installing
expensive
Telex lines and use their existing Internet e-mail software to communicate
with Inmarsat-C customers.
· Flexible billing, including individual crew accounts. Stratos can
provide
options that go beyond the Inmarsat standard of charging all messages to a
single ship’s account. For example, Stratos can provide individual accounts
for all members of the crew by billing ship-to-shore messages according to
their final shore-side destination, such as a fax number or Internet e-mail
address.
· Controlled satellite charges. Stratos’ flexible billing also
means vessels avoid
paying satellite charges for unwanted messages. Before sending messages to a
vessel, Stratos requires shore-side customers to register their Internet
addresses
with Stratos, for authentication and authorization. This protects the vessel
owner
or operator from "junk mail" or other possible types of unsolicited
messages for
which they would otherwise be charged.
- Simple to use and cost-effective. Sending messages to vessels at
sea does not require pre-determination of the vessel’s global location
(e.g. which ocean region). Stratos will find the vessel from its static
Inmarsat-C Mobile Number and send the message ¾ at one price that is
globally competitive.
- GMDSS compliance. Inmarsat-C is a cost-effective solution for
vessels over 300 gross tons which must comply with the International
Maritime Organization’s Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
requirements.
- Free Message Copies. The Stratos network allows messages sent from
a vessel to be copied to any number of Internet e-mail recipients free of
charge. Copies can also be distributed to fax or Telex destinations with
only the incremental landline being charged ¾ not the satellite air time.
- Fleet Management Applications. The built-in GPS transceiver found
in most Inmarsat-C terminals has made this Inmarsat service an integral
component of fleet tracking systems around the world. Stratos has integrated
a number of third-party applications into its networks to provide complete
end-to-end, highly functional and cost-effective solutions, including
vessel-tracking and fleet management applications from Racal and Navtek.
 H.M.S. Communications, Inc.'s products and services are provided by
Stratos, an international multi-network mobile satellite service provider offering a
complete range of communications solutions.
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