News

Broadband internet sets sail on the high seas

19-11-2007 - Even seafarers voyaging in the middle of the ocean can now enjoy high-speed access to the internet and simultaneous telephone calls thanks to the launch of Inmarsat's new FleetBroadband service.

The newest member of Inmarsat's highly successful Fleet family of services, FleetBroadband is our first fully IP-based maritime offering, capable of supporting always-on broadband data connectivity at speeds up to 432kbps.

Vessel sizes
The commercial launch of FleetBroadband was announced on November 19 by Inmarsat's president, Michael Butler, at Trinity House in London, home of the maritime navigation and safety, welfare and training charity established by Henry VIII in 1514.

Vessels of all sizes from large merchant ships to small leisure craft are catered for by FleetBroadband's two types of satellite terminal:

• FB500 - offers standard IP connectivity of up to 432kbps, with guaranteed or "streaming" IP data rates of 32, 64, 128 and 256kbps. It also supports 64kbps ISDN connectivity for legacy applications. The above-deck dome antenna has a diameter of around 57cm and weighs about 18kg.
• FB250 - delivers a standard IP connection of up to 284kbps, with streaming IP available at 32, 64 and 128kbps. Its dome diameter is about 25cm and weighs around 2.5kg.

Both services support 4kbps voice, Group 3 fax and standard 3G SMS text functionality.

"We know that many parts of the maritime industry want increased bandwidth - whether to support crew communications, meet new regulations for shipping, or to explore new ways of working and enhance operational efficiency," said Piers Cunningham, Inmarsat's head of maritime business.

Compact terminals
"But we also know that they want compact terminals, with simple shipboard installation and use, available seamlessly on a global basis, and accessed through equipment that is type approved to a trusted standard.

"FleetBroadband is the first service to meet all of these demanding requirements, and in a highly cost-effective manner.  We are targeting existing Inmarsat users who want increased bandwidth, and new users who will see FleetBroadband's compelling combination of form and function as a reason to move to broadband."

Approved FleetBroadband equipment is now available from manufacturers JRC and Thrane & Thrane.

Distribution partners
Airtime is being provided through nine Inmarsat distribution partners, including Bezeq, KDDI, Korea Telecom, MCN, Morsviazsputnik, OTESAT-Maritel, SingTel, Stratos and Vizada.

The service is initially available across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, from the Americas to the Pacific Rim. Full global coverage is expected towards the end of 2008 after the successful launch of the third Inmarsat-4 satellite next year.

FleetBroadband

Marketplace

Back to previous page.