Broadband Solution for Cruise Ships

Grandi Navi Veloci and WINS, a joint venture set up by Skylogic Italia (Eutelsat’s broadband affiliate) and Maltasat International launched a satellite-based communications network on the first two of eight luxury cruise ferries that sail in the Western Mediterranean. The new network enables Grandi Navi Veloci to extend GSM telephony to passengers and crew at sea and also to provide broadband access services. The complete fleet of eight GNV ferries is expected to be equipped before the end of the year. The new service was officially launched on May 22 in the port of Genoa on La Superba, a Grandi Navi Veloci cruise ship which can transport 3,000 passengers and 1,000 cars. The launch event was attended by Dr Aldo Grimaldi, President of Grandi Navi Veloci, Giuliano Berretta, CEO of Eutelsat, Arduino Patacchini Chairman of Skylogic Italia and Tony Mejlaq, Chairman of WINS in the presence of Austin Gatt, Malta’s Minister for Investment, Industry and Information Technology. Skylogic Italia is providing connectivity to and from vessels via its D-STAR satellite broadband product that connects to its teleport in Turin, Italy. WINS is hosting gateway facilities between the satellite network and the global GSM network through an agreement with Vodafone Malta. The turnkey package provided by WINS includes procurement, installation and maintenance of networks onboard ships, and complete accounting and billing.