[Satellite Today 09-11-08] Stratos Global Corp. has signed an agreement with Thrane and Thrane to upgrade the Stratos land Earth stations, Stratos announced Sept. 11.
    The MSS supplier said the upgrades enable enhanced pre-assigned data reporting, which  according to the company increases the efficiency of maritime data reporting, allowing vessels using Stratos satellite services to  send position reports and comply with the International Maritime Organization‘s new long range identification and tracking  regulations which take effect Dec. 31, 2008.
    Stratos said the increased reporting efficiency is critical, as it expects the amount of daily position-report messages originating from vessels to increase dramatically in 2009.