 7.05.07 Inmarsat A nears closure after 25 years' reliable service A final raft of end-user communications is under way as, after 25 years of providing reliable communications and safety services to mariners the world over, the Inmarsat A service heads towards closure on 31 December, 2007. A gradual and long-running transition to Inmarsat digital services has been supported by Inmarsat's successful "A-to-Fleet" promotion, launched in April 2003, which finished at the end of last month (June). Thousands of vessels have taken advantage of the A-to-Fleet promotion's free airtime incentive. Inmarsat's Maritime market manager Damian Harrington said: "Technology has advanced, and we now provide more efficient and competitively priced communications and GMDSS distress functions through our digital services" Service announcements broadcast by Inmarsat to all Inmarsat A and C terminals will build up from weekly in October to daily in the immediate run-up to the closure. "For a quarter of a century, Inmarsat A maintained 99.99 per cent network availability, giving mariners peace of mind knowing they could rely on our communications and safety services", says Damian Harrington. "Fleet continues to provide this availability, ensuring today's modern mariner enjoys the global reach, efficiency and effectiveness of Inmarsat services." Inmarsat A was the original analogue service provided via the first generation of Inmarsat satellites. The last terminal was type-approved in 1991, since when active models have been in rapid decline. Notice period The service's withdrawal from service is being implemented following a notice period of five years given to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). For more information on transitioning from Inmarsat A to Inmarsat Fleet terminals e-mail us at info@mackaycomm.com |
