Networks: Inmarsat:   Mini-M

Inmarsat Mini-M is the latest and smallest system introduced in 1997.  It provides the capability for voice, fax and data service at 2.4Kbit/s at reduced service cost. It is suitable for vessels as small as can be imagined for global cruising. The smallest of these systems has a fully stabilized 5 pound tracking antenna (9.5 inches high and 8.5 inches in diameter) with the below decks equipment the size of a notebook Lap -Top PC. While this system can be used on vessels of any size, it fills the gap between the 70 foot and smaller lengths nicely. This system was made possible with the launch of the Inmarsat third generation satellites in 1996/97, which have advanced multiple spot beam technology supplementing the traditional global beams. The spot beams concentrate the satellite's

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transmit signal energy to specific points of focus on the globe's surface, increasing signal strength, and allowing for smaller antenna operation. Each of the four operational satellites provides overlapping spotbeam coverage to 95% of the world's continents and a significant part of the world's oceans.  It should be noted that less than complete coverage is available in mid-ocean southern hemisphere, Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans for Mini-M. Vessels cruising in these latitudes should supplement their voice communications installation with Inmarsat C.  Land vehicle mobile systems and very small portable notebook size systems are also available.

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