| Argos | Inmarsat A | Inmarsat B | Inmarsat C | Inmarsat M | Inmarsat Mini-M |
BOATRACS | AMSC | DirecPC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Type | Data Only | Analog Voice/Data |
Digital Voice/Data |
Data, FAX | Digital Voice/Data |
Digital Voice/Data |
Data Only | Digital Voice/Data |
Data Only |
| System Type | LEO | GEO | GEO | GEO | GEO | GEO | GEO | GEO | GEO |
| Coverage | Worldwide | Worldwide | Worldwide | Worldwide | Worldwide | Worldwide | CONUS+ 200-400NM offshore |
CONUS+ 200 NM, AK, HI |
CONUS |
| Frequency Band | UHF | L | L | L | L | L | Ku | L | Ku |
| Data Rate | 1200bps (256 bit bursts) (inbound) |
9600bps* or 56kbps |
9600bps* or 64kbps |
600bps (1200bps repeated 32Kbyte max message |
2400bps | 2400bps | 600bps | 4800bps | 400kbps (outbound) |
| Terminal Cost | Varies, depending upon size and complexity | $25,000- $35,000 |
$25,000- $35,000 | $2,000 | $10,000- $12,000 | $5,000 | $4,000 | $2,500 | $300 |
| Monthly Cost | Negotiated | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $40 | $25 | $10-$130 |
| Usage Cost | Negotiated | $3-$8/min | $2-$6/min | 1¢/char | $2-$6/min | $3/min | .4¢/char plus 50¢/msg |
$1.50/min | $3.95-$4.95/hour |
| Antena Type/Size |
Small whip | 1m tracking | 1m tracking | 0.24m omni |
0.6m tracking | 0.2m tracking | 0.3m" az tracking | 1m whip, .3m tracking, .6m tracking |
.6m fixed dish |
| Year Operational |
1978 | 1982 | 1993 | 1992 | 1992 | 1996 | 1989 | 1996 | 1997 |
| *Speed of Inmarsat A connection depends upon type
of modem used, signal strength, and channel quality. This is also RAW speed. Most modems incorporate V.42/MNP compression. |
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Note that terminal cost, monthly cost and usage cost may change and may be negotiated.