Stratos Debuts MPDS for Fleet F33

Stratos Global Corp. announced the availability of Mobile Packet Data Service (MPDS) for Inmarsat Fleet F33, bringing the benefits of always-on connectivity and data- transmission-based billing to smaller maritime vessels, including leisure, fishing, and coastal patrol boats. Stratos is the first Inmarsat service provider to formally announce the launch of this significant enhancement to Fleet F33.

MPDS for Fleet F33 features persistent connectivity at speeds up to 64 kbps incoming from the satellite and up to 28 kbps outgoing from the terminal. This always-on, higher-speed option is particularly suited to IP-based data applications, such as Web surfing, intranet access and e-mail. MPDS connectivity is available within Inmarsat's spot beam coverage area and users pay only for the amount of data sent and received, rather than the amount of time they are connected.

Fleet F33 from Stratos features a small, lightweight antenna and reduced- size on-deck equipment specifically designed for usage and installation on smaller maritime vessels that were previously unable to access this technology due to the size and cost of the terminal hardware.

In addition to MPDS, Fleet F33 also provides global digital voice connectivity and an integrated data service option that is ideal for fax and batched data transmission, including file transfers. The integrated data service option, available within Inmarsat's spot beam coverage areas, provides fax service at 9.6 kbps, as well as effective dial-up data transmission speeds of up to 40 kbps using optional V40/V42 compression. "By being the first to announce MPDS availability for Fleet F33, Stratos has further solidified its position as the global leader in remote satellite communications for the maritime industry," said Jim Parm, president and chief executive officer, Stratos. "Stratos' comprehensive suite of maritime communications solutions, including the full range of Fleet services, is specifically targeted to address the growing demand for IP-capable, high-speed data connectivity at sea." The Fleet family of solutions, which also includes Fleet F77 and Fleet F55, is the next generation of maritime satellite communications services, having evolved from the highly successful Inmarsat A, B and M systems, but using lighter-weight, stabilized antennas to provide both ocean-going and coastal vessels with comprehensive voice, fax and data communications services, including e-mail and Internet access.