Sending e-mails, SMS, faxes and telexes via Inmarsat-C (1) has never been so simple and cost-effective: France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications has developed SkyFile C, a new e-service for Inmarsat-C which optimizes message transmission and reduces costs, particularly for messages sent to fleets of vessels.
It makes global communications via Inmarsat-C more user-friendly, secure, reliable and economic. It will also boost usage of Inmarsat-C, the most widespread Inmarsat service in the maritime sector.
SkyFile C brings users important benefits in terms of maritime communications:
* Simplicity of  use
It is not necessary to pre-install software on the terminal to access SkyFile C. The user can instantly send emails and SMS by following a simple set of instructions in the message text. Registration for SkyFile C is also free of charge and is carried out by calling France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications' customer service center.
* Connecting two mobile worlds: Inmarsat and GSM
With SkyFile C, the user can send and receive SMS to and from any GSM phone worldwide. It is therefore possible communicate with many more people as the user is not confined to contacting people who are in the office or in front of a computer.
* Split-billing for simplified cost-allocation
Thanks to detailed billing combined with clear traffic listings (e-mails, SMS, faxes, telex), users can differentiate private from professional connection fees, which in turn reduces administrative problems.
* Two flexible ways of communicating
When registering with France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications' customer service centre, the user can decide whether all shore-ship and ship-shore e-mail communication costs should be invoiced to the respective sender or to the Inmarsat-C terminal owner. In the latter case, all transmission costs appear on the same bill.
* Complete and secure traffic control
Thanks to a set of filters which limit the sending and reception of e-mails, the user has the possibility to closely control communication costs.
