Ip.access, developer of picocell and femtocell solutions, announced that Blue Ocean Wireless, the world’s first global GSM provider for the deep sea merchant maritime sector, is using their nanoGSM system to provide mobile phone service to merchant seafarers.
Blue Ocean Wireless’ global service enables seafarers to use their existing mobile phones while at sea in exactly the same way that they would in port or on land. Using the cellular signal generated by the ip.access nanoGSM picocell, crew members can use their own standard GSM phones to make and receive calls and SMS messages while on board. The nanoGSM picocell is typically installed in the accommodation areas. It is connected to a Remote Gateway which converts the cellular call into a narrowband IP signal for transmission over the satellite network, via a satellite terminal, using L, Ku or C band technology.
Importantly, the Blue Ocean Wireless system efficiently manages the operational cost by minimising the IP bandwidth used to connect to the satellite network and transmit the call. It also ensures that the satellite connection is not left “on” when there are no calls in progress.
“We always work with industry leaders to deliver the best possible service to our customers,” said Robert Johnson, CEO of Blue Ocean Wireless. “We chose ip.access as our partner based on their expertise as the leading provider of picocell technology. The ip.access nanoGSM picocell is a reliable, high-performance product, and we are delighted to use it to deliver our global GSM service to deep sea merchant customers worldwide.”
(www.ipaccess.com)