In-situ performance analysis of satellite communication in the high north

Digital communication at sea in the high north is challenging as the conventionally used geostationary satellite systems operate close to their geographic limits which is around 80 degrees latitude. The only system that provides digital communication capabilities beyond this limitation is Iridium. The MARENOR project has investigated the actual quality of service of communication systems in the high north as experienced by the user and it has focused on the Iridium system. However, a limited investigation into geostationary satellite services has also been done. This paper reports on the results of these investigations.