SAS Marsat-4 is in operation now
Ceremonial opening of the satellite access station Marsat-4 (SAS Marsat-4) was held on June 2, 2016. It is Russia’s first and the world’s second SAS for a broadband network of INMARSAT global mobile satellite communications system of the fourth generation intended for BGAN, FleetBroadband and SwiftBroadband services. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the federal executive authorities and organizations of the Russian Federation as well as the management of Inmarsat Global Ltd (UK) and other foreign companies, says press center of FSUE Morsviazsputnik.
SAS Marsat-4 was created in compliance with the decision of the Marine Board of RF Government dated 04.12.2012 on creation of a ground technical facility (gateway) for the INMARSAT global mobile satellite communications system in Russia through application of state-of-the-art innovative technologies in line with the Decree of RF Government dated 23.01.2014 (No 61-r).
The national SAS Marsat-4 is located at the Technological Center Nudol of the Bank of Russia, Narynka settlement, Klinsky District, Moscow Region. The required telecommunication infrastructure available at the Center allowed saving both time and resources when creating the gateway. Investments into SAS Marsat-4 exceeded RUB 1.5 bln. Inmarsat also invested in creation of Russia’s national SAS over USD 1 million.
Marsat-4 was put into operation on April 26, 2016 by the decision of the joint commission of the Central Federal District’s Department of the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology, and Mass Media. Thus, the entire telecommunication Inmarsat traffic in the territory of the Russian Federation, including the territorial waters and the air space, runs via the Russian segment of Inmarsat system which ensures higher efficiency and safety of RF marine and river transport activities.
Morsviazsputnik Director General, Andrey Kuropyatnikov, commented: “Creation of a national gateway was dictated by the need to ultimately comply with the Russian legislation on communications and information security as well as to satisfy the high demand for the mobile satellite communications services in the Russian Federation. It is especially important that the Russian gateway will let expand and improve the services provided by Inmarsat global broadband mobile satellite communications system to sea / river transport and to the fishing fleet. It should be noted that with the ability to use GLONASS capacities the national SAS will considerably improve the efficiency of the problem-solving process in the marine and river transport industry, particularly in compliance with the Presidential Order dated March 31, 2010 (No 403) on establishment of a comprehensive system to ensure public safety in the country's transport system.”
To ensure a better coverage of the Russian Federation amid inclusion of Russia’s national SAS into the Inmarsat global network consisting of three regional gateways owned by Inmarsat and China’s national SAS (operational from 2014), Inmarsat Global Ltd made a decision to shift the Inmarsat-4 backup satellite to 64°E . This will considerably improve Inmarsat coverage for Russian customers including those in the Northern Sea Route, particularly at the construction area of port Sabetta.
Inmarsat Global Ltd has announced its intention to continue the development of its L-band network and to launch the sixth generation of Geo satellites (I-6) after 2021. Inmarsat-6 Satellites will be launched by Russian launch vehicles. Inmarsat will ensure technological compatibility of the on-land infrastructure (gateways) and customer stations of the system’s 4th and 6th generations. This confirms the efficiency of investments into Russia’s national gateway as it will also be used for providing services through Inmarsat-6 and thus will secure its position in the market of mobile satellite services after the 2030-ies.
Inmarsat is the world’s first mobile satellite communications system providing its services worldwide: on land, at sea and in the air. As of today, Inmarsat numbers 11 geostationary satellites of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th generations with the coverage of almost the entire Earth surface and a network of gateways to receive and transmit information from mobile customer stations. The satellite network is managed by Inmarsat headquarters.
Inmarsat system provides high quality services on telephone and facsimile communication, broadband transmission of data in IP-networks (up to 650 Kb/sec). It is the only provider of communications services for Global Maritime Distress and Safety System used by IMO. Inmarsat services comply with the requirements of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The list of Inmarsat customers in the Russian Federation includes the federal executive authorities, state and private enterprises in transport, oil & gas, energy, nuclear and other industries, rescue services and media, etc. The transport system of the Russian Federation numbers over 20,000 customer stations placed at sea going vessels, inland water transport, trains, aircrafts and cars. Customer stations can be acquired by transport owners both under state programmes and in the framework of commercial projects.
Morsviazsputnik is a national operator of Inmarsat mobile satellite communication system on the territory of the Russian Federation, an international accounting authority with identifying number AAIC=SU-04, the Customer Registration Center.
Morsviazsputnik being at the forefront of mobile satellite service in Russia for more than 40 years offers a full portfolio of communications and navigation services and products for maritime, land and aviation markets including mobile satellite communications services for all kind of transport vehicles. Being a part of the Federal Agency of Marine and River Transport of the Ministry of Russian Federation (Rosmorrechflot) Morsviazsputnik implements a number of state and national projects.
