International Maritime Satellite Organization (INMARSAT)
Introduction to International Maritime Satellite Organization (INMARSAT)
International Maritime Satellite Organization (INMARSAT) organization that operates a system of satellites facilitating mobile communications on land, at sea, and in the air. INMARSAT launched its first satellites in 1979 to provide global communications for shipping. In the 1980s INMARSAT also began to offer aeronautic and land communications services.
INMARSAT’s satellites each lie in a geostationary orbit 22,223 miles above one of the four major ocean regions of the earth. Data transfer services that the satellites provide include direct-dial telephone, telex, fax, and e-mail data links, along with automatic position and status reporting for aircraft and land transport, and distress and safety messaging and positioning. INMARSAT has 79 member nations. Decision-making authority centers in the council, which includes representatives of member nations with the largest investment share, and the directorate, a permanent staff organization with headquarters in London.
In 1996 the Government Accountability Office (GA0) of the United States recommended reorganization of both INMARSAT and the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (INTELSAT). The GAO stated that these treaty organizations stifled private competition that would benefit consumers of the services offered by the international telecommunications and satellite industries. Proposals for the reorganization range from dismantling INMARSAT and INTELSAT to creating affiliates with ownership in these parent organizations.” (1)
Resources
Notes and References
- Information about International Maritime Satellite Organization (INMARSAT) in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia
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