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An important technology at sea today is that of satellite communications. Providing a means of staying in contact with the shore in the event of emergency is one of the mo crucial, but far from the only, use for this technology. Lower costs and higher levels of service are direct results of technological improvements. In day-to-day use, it allows vok data and fax capability for vessels even in remote locations — transforming a ship at sea or an oil platform into a fully-functional floating office. MR/IN has dedicated tli section to those who provide these vital services — vital to safety, and vital to business. KEY: AORE Atlantic Ocean Reg ion — East AORW Atlantic Ocean Region — West POR Pacific Ocean Region IOR Indian Ocean Region LES Land Earth Station American Mobile Satellite Corporation (AMSC) On April 7, 1995, the American Mobile Satellite Corporation (AMSC) launched what is report- edly the largest commercial mobile communications satellite ever built. In the fourth quarter of 1995, AMSC will introduce its Skycell satellite telephoning service, providing the maritime industry with a portfolio of affordable satellite communica- tions products. The Skycell service telephone will be equipped with voice, data and fax capabilities. AMSC is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission to provide its Skycell services through- out the U.S., including Alaska, Ha- waii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and 200 miles off U.S. shores. Therefore, users can main- tain a constant communications link to any telephone in the world while traveling in the coverage area. Di- rect-dial service connected through the public switched telephone net- work will allow for secure point-to- point and point-to-multi-point com- munications. Packet and circuit- switched data will also be supported to provide users with a comprehen- sive and affordable data communi- cations solution. For more information on AMSC Circle 56 on Reader Service Card COMSAT With seamless Inmarsat A and B coverage of the world, COMSAT Maritime Services is a single source for fax, data, voice and telex service. COMSAT also provides global Inmarsat M service for voice and fax needs, and Inmarsat C service for data communications. For custom- ers at sea, COMSAT says it offers unparalleled service and reliability. COMSAT offers free operator ser- vice 24 hours a day and seven days a week, free language assistance in over 140 languages, telex group calls, credit card billing, value-added ser- vices like shipboard public telephone services, 56/64 kbps data service, FaxMail, and news and information services. To use any of COMSAT's services, choose LES "01" for Inmarsat A and "001" for Inmarsat B and M service. For more information on COMSAT Circle 55 on Reader Service Card Telecom Italia Telecom Italia operates in the national and international markets. The company has 24 million users and more than 100,000 employees. The company is controlled by STET, which is IRI's telecommunications holding company. A division of Telecom Italia is the licensee of the Italian Ministry of Port and Telecommunications for handling maritime communications, including installation, operation and maintenance of radiotelephonic and radiotelegraphic radio stations on board. The company also operates the services connected with the traffic of telephone, telegraph and satellite radio communications. The com- pany acts as the "traffic accounting authority," officially recognized by international organizations and ir stitutions. Telecom Italia, Common Cus tomer Division, Radio Maritim| Services and Assistance to Naviga tion, controls and operates Coasl Radio Stations and the fully auto mated Inmarsat earth station o| Fucino. In addition, Telecom Italia en- sures, on behalf of the Ministry ol Merchant Marine, all radio commu- nication services for the Safety off Life at Sea, and navigatioi (watchkeeping on the international! distress frequency, distress alarm, | etc.). The activity of Telecom Italia also | includes the marketing of radio com- munications and radionavigation I equipment from sophisticated sat- ellite communications systems (Inmarsat) to up-to-date equipment | for pleasure craft. For more information on Telecom Italia Circle 57 on Reader Service Card BT Inmarsat BT Inmarsat provides global sat- ellite communications solutions for the commercial shipping and land 38 Maritime Reporter/Engineering New;
