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The race yachts will use a combination of satellite and radio communications equipment to meet all their phone and messaging needs. BT has developed a solution to the problem of following the constantly changing position of ocean racing yachts by fitting each one with a transceiver, relying on Inmarsat (International Maritime Satellite Organisation) satellite systems which provide communications to and from mobile terminals worldwide. There are four different types of Inmarsat terminal offering between them a combination of voice, fax, data and messaging (including e-mail) services. The BT Global Challenge yachts use the 'Inmarsat-C' (BT's C-Sat) unit - a messaging terminal which can send text messages to a fax machine or telex number ashore. C-Sat software also includes a facility for composing and transmitting distress messages direct to Falmouth Coastguard (via Goonhilly) or other Coastguard/Search and Rescue authorities in other parts of the world. Special 'C-Club' and 'BT [SatMail]' facilities extend the range of options so messages can be exchanged with many types of e-mail services on land, including Internet e-mail users. BT is ensuring that the yachts and their sponsors are allowed to manage their own communications - and not be the victims of 'junk mail' - by configuring individual [SatMail] mailboxes to allow messages only from authorised senders to be passed on to the vessel. Unauthorised messages will be rejected - either being sent back to the sender or to an administrator - so the yachts themselves will not be bothered with what could otherwise be a constant stream of unsolicited mail.
The Inmarsat system has two main components: Inmarsat's satellites provide the space segment in four regions with back-up capacity also being provided by satellites. This is how the system is currently configured:
Ocean Region Operational Location Land Earth Stations (LES) provide the link between satellites and the international telecommunications networks. An LES is generally owned and operated by signatories of the country in which it is located. There are now more than 30 Inmarsat LES worldwide operating to the four ocean regions - including the BT earth station at Goonhilly Downs for Atlantic East and West.
Customer Services/Enquiry Number is: 0800 318 684 (UK)
or +44 (0)171 492 4996 (Int).
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