Maritime mobile-satellite service explained

Maritime mobile-satellite service (MMSS, or maritime mobile-satellite radiocommunication service) is – according to Article 1.29 of the International Telecommunication Union's Radio Regulations (RR)^[1] – "A mobile-satellite service in which mobile earth stations are located on board ships; survival craft stations and emergency position-indicating radiobeacon stations may also participate in this service", in addition to serving as navigation systems.

Classification

This radiocommunication service is classified in accordance with ITU Radio Regulations (article 1) as follows:
Mobile service

• Maritime mobile service (article 1.28)
  • Maritime mobile-satellite service
  • Port operations service (article 1.30)
  • Ship movement service (article 1.31)

Frequency allocation

The allocation of radio frequencies is provided according to Article 5 of the ITU Radio Regulations (edition 2012).^[2]

In order to improve harmonisation in spectrum utilisation, the majority of service-allocations stipulated in this document were incorporated in national Tables of Frequency Allocations and Utilisations which is with-in the responsibility of the appropriate national administration. The allocation might be primary, secondary, exclusive, and shared.

• primary allocation: is indicated by writing in capital letters
• secondary allocation: is indicated by small letters
• exclusive or shared utilization: is within the responsibility of administrations

Example of frequency allocation:

Allocation to services
	Region 2	Region 3
137–137.025 SPACE OPERATION (space-to-Earth) METEOROLOGICAL-SATELLITE (space-to-Earth) MOBILE-SATELLITE (space-to-Earth) SPACE RESEARCH (space-to-Earth) Fixed Mobile except aeronautical mobile (R)

Selection of MMSS stations

See also

• Radio station
• Radiocommunication service

References / sources

1. ITU Radio Regulations, Section IV. Radio Stations and Systems – Article 1.29, definition: maritime mobile service / maritime mobile radiocommunication service
2. ITU Radio Regulations, CHAPTER II – Frequencies, ARTICLE 5 Frequency allocations, Section IV – Table of Frequency Allocations