7Ccell is the first maritime mobile VoIP operator, offering WiFi network solutions for the maritime industry. Voice, SMS, email and Internet access are no longer unavailable and unaffordable for those working at sea. Network equipment, engineering, operation and termination from a single source help ship owners and managers to keep costs low and administration to a minimum.
Branded under the name com4crew the service is a secure WiFi network that can be utilized for onboard communication as well as for crew welfare. 7Ccell sells traffic and numbers to maritime subscribers and enables them to receive calls from shore on their private handsets. Ship owners prove to be highly interested in this unique solution as many of them want to enhance their communication standards at sea and at the same time receive a cost-effective crew calling system.
Unlike “Skype” or other so called free services com4crew is a managed service providing full control over data consumption on the satellite link and is offering quality of service based on individual preference including priority of voice over data. Com4crew is an optimized Voice over WLAN solutions and its bandwidth requirements for network management are fully transparent. Unlike GSM com4crew is not limited within the 12-miles-zone and serves voice over data consumption on one network.
Com4crew services include:
• VOICE: VoWLAN & LAN; worldwide termination; call barring / forwarding; messaging
• SMS: email2SMS from ship to shore; SMS2email from shore to ship; web SMS; instant messaging via www.com4crew.com
• INTERNET: access policies that can be applied on a ship’s captive portal; guest / temporary accounts for crews
How can com4crew help ship owners to enhance communication standards onboard their fleet?
• Com4crew manages and bills data volume
• Com4crew offers reliable bandwidth management & a secure network
• Com4crew WiFi networks offer cable-free radio coverage extension
• Com4crew enables free inter company calls
The com4crew technology onboard consists of an integrated WiFi network and the com4crew server – connected to the satellite communication system installed onboard. The server includes a virtual PBX box to support switching of local calls. The network coverage can be expanded to the customers’ needs and could be distributed throughout the vessel to support internal communication with direct calls to persons onboard. The com4crew router itself incorporates an optimized Codec for satellite communications, High Quality of Service (QOS) and priority of voice over data. 7ccell offers worldwide termination, international PSTN numbers for each mobile handset / subscriber and provides pre- and post-paid billing options. The intelligent platform (Proxy Sip Server) is opportunely modifiable and customizable for specific requirements.
The minimum bandwidth requirement is 15kpbs for one voice call; VSAT (Ku or C – band) is considered the most suitable technical solution to utilize the complete com4crew services.
(www.com4crew.com)