The Inmarsat satellite system comprises eleven satellites at an altitude of 36,000 km. These are in stationary orbit. The INMARSAT system has been operating since 1979. It was originally developed for use at sea, with the aim to increase safety in regions without HF- and MF-radio coverage.
In order to establish a connection with one of the eleven satellites, it must be located with a special parabolic or planar antenna. In most cases, a standard antenna will also work.
An Inmarsat modem is housed in a case with the size of a biscuit tin. In addition to data transmission, some devices also support telephone and fax communication and internet access. These systems cost between 800 and 4000 €.
The per-minute price for the telephones is around 2 €. The transmission of a GPS vehicle location to a ground station costs around the same as an SMS message (20 eurocents).
The satellite system covers almost the entire world. The direct surrounds of the two polar caps are exceptions.
Atlantic Ocean, Western region:
North America, Central America, Brazil, North-West Africa, Western Europe
Atlantic Ocean, eastern region:
Eastern USA, Caribbean, South America, Africa, Europe, Western Asia
Indian Ocean region:
Europe, Asia, Africa
Pacific Ocean region: Alaska, Western USA, Eastern Asia, Australia
