 11.21.07 Inmarsat Launches new FleetBroadband Broadband internet sets sail on the high seas 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 the first fully IP-based maritime offering, capable of supporting always-on broadband data connectivity at speeds up to 432kbps. 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: 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. "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. 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 -------------------------------------------------- Mackay Marine is now selling approved FleetBroadband equipment from manufacturers JRC and Thrane & Thrane. For more information contact one of Mackay's 14 locations in the United States. |
