covert@covert.enet.dec.com (John R. Covert 06-Dec-1990 1035) (12/06/90)
From: BETTY::GMONTI Subj: Fourth Inmarsat Code Inmarsat, which provides telephone and Telex service to ships at sea and to land-based portable ground stations in remote areas, has altered the positions of its satellites. Formerly, there were three "regions" in which Inmarsat provided service: The Atlantic Ocean Region (AOR), The Pacific Ocean Region (POR), and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Each has a country code. The three are 871, 872 and 873, I don't remember which order. Now, the AOR has been divided into two regions, East and West, served by two separate satellites. This eliminates a gap in land coverage in the middle of North America where instant-gratification satellite services like transportable telecom stations, are in demand. The country code for AOR West is 874. Its Telex country code is 584. No change in the other three. Note that you must now know which AOR satellite a particular ship is pointed at before you can dial it. Greg Monti, Arlington, Virginia; work +1 202 822-2633