Stratos Global Corp. introduced its new maritime broadband
satellite communications solution based on Inmarsat's FleetBroadband
service. FleetBroadband from Stratos, expected to be commercially available
in November, offers a wide range of value-added services to provide ship
managers with optimal communications performance and cost efficiency.
FleetBroadband is the maritime version of Inmarsat's successful Broadband
Global Area Network (BGAN) service. Since its introduction in 2005, BGAN
has been widely adopted for land-mobile applications by military and NGO
agencies, media organizations, first responders and professionals in many
other industries worldwide. The aviation version of BGAN, known as
SwiftBroadband, is expected to be commercially available from Stratos next
month.
FleetBroadband from Stratos is designed to provide cost-effective, high-speed data and
voice communications - available simultaneously - at speeds up to 432 kpbs.
FleetBroadband from Stratos also provides on-demand guaranteed IP data
rates, regardless of the vessel's location. FleetBroadband from Stratos will
use stabilized, compact directional antennas, which will vary in size and
weight. The above-deck antennas will be smaller than most existing Inmarsat
Fleet products used today.
FleetBroadband from Stratos will also help Stratos continue to provide ship
managers with innovative crew-communications solutions, to support the
recruitment and retention of well-trained seafarers. For example,
FleetBroadband from Stratos is expected to offer pre-paid web-browsing and
other valuable services.
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FleetBroadband from Stratos now features Stratos Advantage. The services comprising the Stratos Advantage provide users with cost and
traffic control, firewall management, data optimization, high security
options, easy VPN access, messaging services and full IP range. More than
4,000 mobile users in 180 countries already utilize the Stratos Advantage
for BGAN.
In addition to offering the Stratos Advantage, Stratos will work with
application partners to deliver broadband business solutions in key maritime business areas. These solutions include voyage management, remote
management, IT management and cargo management, which help reduce fuel and
operations costs and improve crew satisfaction.