Inmarsat Mini-M launched

JAKARTA (JP): State-owned PT Indosat will launch today its new service, the Global Express Phone-7 or the Inmarsat Mini-M, a new international call service using International Maritime Satellite's (Inmarsat) networks.

Indosat's public relations manager, J.B. Basuki, said the new service would be available through Inmarsat satellite networks on the geo-stationery orbit.

"The Inmarsat Mini-M is designed for facsimile, data, voice communications and Internet used on smaller terminals like notebooks," he said.

He said the service would cover areas not covered by normal telephone lines and cellular phones.

Inmarsat services are set for both voice and data telecommunications from any point on land, sea or in the air. Inmarsat, operating its own telecommunications satellites, is an international organization in Britain grouping various companies throughout the world. Indosat joined it in 1987.

Indosat operates the Inmarsat B and M earth station, in Jatiluhur, West Java.

Basuki said a portable terminal for Inmarsat Mini-M cost about US$5,000, while call charges started at $3 a minute. (icn)