Networks: Msat

     Msat is a satellite network jointly owned by two North American public corporations.  TMI is the Canadian partner and AMSC the U.S.

Like Inmarsat, the Msat 1 satellite is GEO over the equator at 106.5 West and uses similar over lapping spot beam technology focused on North and Central America, with a separate beam for coverage of Hawai

Launched in 1995-96, coverage for the Msat system is limited to the territorial and coastal regions of  Central and North America from the Northern boarders of Colombia and Venezuela, covering the whole of the Caribbean, 200 miles off the

Msat Domestic Coverage

West Coast and as far east as Bermuda, and ranging north to the Arctic Circle. A special spot beam is focused to provide 200 mile surrounding coverage for Hawaii.  Msat service and equipment is similar to Inmarsat M in size and capability (voice, fax and data) with slightly higher data rates because of the more powerful spot beams. Until late 1996 the smallest marine stabilized antenna was 19 inches in diameter and 30 pounds, suitable for vessels down to about 70 feet.  In November 1996, a non-stabilized, broad beam marine tracking antenna was introduced that was the size of a child's bicycle helmet and weighed in under three pounds, making it very suitable for vessels as small as 30 feet.  As with the Inmarsat system  land vehicle mobile systems and very small portable notebook size systems are also available.

Similar regional satellite systems are in operation by OPTUS Communications, Sidney, for off shore coverage around Australia, and by Telecomunicaciones de Mexico, using the same satcom equipment available to North and Central American users of the Msat systems.

BACK