Band Technology News

A new satellite device that combines the Inmarsat Fleet Xpress Network Service Device (NSD) with the RedPort Optimizer Enterprise satellite router and VoIP gateway was launched by RedPort Global.The single rackmount appliance will manage ship networks with satellite broadband routing, VoIP connectivity and crew services, and replaces at least three pieces of hardware that were previously required for Fleet Xpress installations.The innovative RedPort Optimizer Enterprise NSD for Inmarsat Fleet Xpress gives satellite service providers and ship operators an all-­in-­one solution…

gplink has announced a partnership with Wheelhouse Technologies, creating a comprehensive perspective on vessel upkeep through seamless integration to the Wheelhouse marine maintenance system. Pleasure craft, commercial vessel, and fleet owners can now enjoy the benefits of real-time vessel monitoring, tracking and support, from gplink along with a simple and easy-to-use interface; charting the course to proper vessel maintenance, spare parts management, and document tracking.

GPLink is the most capable remote diagnostic tool available for high horsepower systems. Globally, GPLink helps vessel owners and fleet managers by remotely plotting asset locations while also monitoring engines & critical systems. GPLink remotely monitors fuel consumption, idle time, engine hours, speed, engine load and more. Comprehensive reporting allows vessel managers to identify abnormal or wasteful behavior patterns. The firm has 15 employees. Using dual band technology with both GSM and Iridium satellite networks…

Telenor Satellite has announced that its Ka-band satellite capacity packages for land-based services in the Middle East have surpassed initial expectations, reaching more than 200 terminals within the first six months of commercial operation. Telenor Satellite commercially launched its iDirect land-based services for the Middle East and North Africa in Q4, 2015, via its new THOR 7 satellite. Since the launch, more and more customers throughout the Middle East region have contracted our land-based services packages, specifically in countries where there is limited fibre connectivity and satellite is the preferred distribution platform for vital and reliable communication links.

Maritime Broadband has expanded its worldwide footprint by opening an office, Maritime Broadband Hellas, in Athens, Greece. The new office addresses the growing international demand for its C-Bird VSAT communications solution and spearheads sales and service support in the region. Maritime Broadband Hellas, which is headed by Managing Director, Thanasis Giamas, employs a four-person staff fluent in English, Greek and French to serve the most prolific shipping companies throughout Europe and the world via its global channel partners.

gplink is the most capable remote diagnostic tool available for high horsepower systems. Globally, gplink helps vessel owners and fleet managers by remotely plotting asset locations while also monitoring engines & critical systems. gplink also helps to secure & protect high horsepower assets. Customers receive instant notification of alarm conditions or unauthorized movement. Proactive diagnostic & repair services keep customers assets on the water. Technicians can view & respond to alarm conditions remotely, in near real-time.

Inmarsat, a provider of global mobile satellite communications services, said it has triggered an option to purchase a fourth Inmarsat-5 satellite under its existing contract with Boeing Satellite Systems International, Inc. The program schedule from Boeing has a satellite delivery date of mid-2016. The fourth Inmarsat-5 satellite will have a dual strategic role. Initially the satellite will serve to provide an early available spare in the unlikely event of a launch failure of any of the first three Inmarsat-5 satellites. As a result, Inmarsat will be able to achieve global service launch for Global Xpress (GX) more rapidly than if a replacement satellite were only commissioned following a launch failure.

Inmarsat signed an agreement with NSSLGlobal Ltd, appointing the independent service provider for satellite communications solutions as a Value Added Reseller (VAR) of Global Xpress(GX) for the maritime market. GX will provide the shipping industry with global, superfast broadband service with speeds up to 50Mbps. Based on Ka-band technology, GX will consistently deliver higher performance through more compact terminals at a lower cost than existing VSAT services, making it accessible to many more vessels. It will offer global coverage and reliability, complemented by Inmarsat’s award-winning Fleet Broadband. www.inmarsat.com

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.

The Navy decided this week to use S-Band rather than L-Band technology for the volume search radar that will be on the next-generation destroyer, DD(X). This higher frequency radar will improve the ability of the destroyer to track aircraft and missiles and to counterattack shore-based gun or missile batteries that attempt to strike the ship. "The shift to S-Band technology is a very carefully considered, logical decision which seeks to ensure every investment dollar is leveraged to achieve near term and long term goals," according to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Research Development and Acquisition John Young. "The decision effectively creates a radar roadmap for the Navy which draws on extensive…