There are a number of reasons why vessel operators value broadband connectivity at sea. They want an ‘always available’ service on their vessels, they want to access this service at a flat price in order to monitor their costs and remain within budget. And they want off the shelf IP compatibility and a bandwidth powerful enough to transfer large files.

While many will satisfactorily continue with their existing satcom provision, key players in coastal protection and management have already understood the need for an integrated operations path, using existing satcom technology with the introduction of FleetBroadband for faster communication speeds where clarity and in-range conversations with engineers or consultants are essential. Those involved in renewable energy will find the degree of flexibility provided by the simultaneous use of voice calls and data will make the job of interpreting and sharing data such as high specification diving system construction plans cost efficient.

For the first time the captain can talk with a port authority and simultaneously download chart updates, while at the same time an engineer in the ship’s engine room opens a dedicated 128kbps streaming channel for sending back live images to a shore based expert.  All this would happen while the ships’ crew continue to enjoy access to email, web surfing, phone calls and SMS. Inmarsat claims that this degree of flexibility has never before been possible from a single satellite system. The ability to select data rates is a first in maritime satellite communications and makes the service extremely cost effective.

Lightweight and compact the two FleetBroadband terminal types that incorporate stabilised, directional antennas, are easy to install and take up very little onboard space. Below deck, FleetBroadband is compatible with all major communications systems and ports, including RJ-11, RJ-45 and ISDN RJ-45. This ‘plug and play’ compatibility has been designed so that it interconnects with all standard systems operating like a simple router or switch in the network.