Chatcard News

Satellite communications provider Inmarsat says it continues to ramp up its response to COVID-19, with additional initiatives to improve seafarer wellbeing. These initiatives include further collaboration with ISWAN (International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network) and maritime charities, the launch of a new chatcard and the wider roll-out of a COVID-19 video telemedicine call service.As the pandemic has unfolded, the ompany has worked closely with welfare organization…

Inmarsat has formalized a 50% discount for crew voice calling services available for up to 40,000 ships in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on seafarer well-being.The maritime satellite service provider is also ensuring that calls made to the SeafarerHelp service provided by welfare organization ISWAN (International Seafarers’ Welfare Assistance Network) are available free of charge. In addition, Inmarsat is working with crew healthcare specialist Vikand and software platform provider FrontM…

Inmarsat Maritime President Ronald Spithout says providing crews with enhanced levels of connectivity and support is critical at this unprecedented time, and offers an insight into the work already underway with welfare organizations to assist seafarers in need.Given Inmarsat’s position as the leading provider of maritime VSAT and L-Band services at sea, it is hardly surprising that we have been alert to the direct connection between coronavirus and surging demand for crew voice call and data services.

Stratos Global Corporation, provider of advanced mobile and fixed-site remote communications solutions, announced it has successfully deployed an integrated, broadband crew communications solution for SE Ship Management Pte. Ltd. (SESM), one of Singapore’s leading ship operators and managers. SESM is a subsidiary of SE Shipping Lines Pte. Ltd. (SESL). The Stratos solution includes the deployment of its AmosConnect Crew communications application on the Inmarsat FleetBroadband 150 (FB150) mobile satellite platform. The solution is installed on the SESL vessels SE Pelagica and SE Potentia – both of which are heavy-lift, multipurpose dry cargo vessels that operate worldwide. Inmarsat’s entry-level FB150 service combines a telephone connection with simultaneous IP data at up to 150kbps.

Stratos Global Corporation announced it has been selected by its long-time customer MISC Berhad to provide a customized crew-communications solution for its entire fleet of more than 100 merchant vessels. Stratos is deploying an MISC-branded version of its AmosConnect Crew communications solution to serve thousands of crewmembers, as part of MISC’s “We Care” crew-retention program. The custom solution provides MISC crewmembers with new “MISC Crew Comm” cards to enjoy free private email, low-cost SMS and voice calling. AmosConnect Crew is an all-in-one communication solution for crewmembers. Combining AmosConnect and ChatCard, two of Stratos’ successful services, AmosConnect Crew enables personnel at sea to stay in contact with home via phone, email and SMS at low cost rates.

Stratos Global Corp., a global provider of advanced mobile and fixed-site remote communications solutions, introduced ChatCard Online 5.0 to improve the order-processing performance of its ChatCard and eChatCard maritime crew calling services. In the coming weeks, Stratos will migrate all ChatCard Online customers to ChatCard Online 5.0. Stratos ChatCard is a way for shipping companies to enable crewmembers to stay in touch with family and friends while at sea - via voice, email, SMS and now prepaid Internet access via the recent introduction of ChatCard Data on emerging Inmarsat technologies. A prepaid calling card that can be reloaded online, ChatCard can be used on all Inmarsat and Iridium terminals, including FleetBroadband.

Xantic has announced a extension of its successful Happy Hours promotion. As per April 1, 2004, crew members calling via a mini-M, Fleet or Inmarsat B terminal using Xantic’s ChatCard service will only pay 10 units per minute compared to the previous cost of 11 units. Moreover, the actual period in which the Happy Hours tariffs are available will be significantly extended. Happy Hours will now last 10 hours a day during the week instead of the previous four hours. The time is from 20.00 to 06.00 UTC in all ocean regions. Moreover, the Happy Hour period will also last the entire weekend – from Friday at 20.00 to Monday at 06.00 UTC! “We are delighted to be able to offer our customers this major enhancement of our Happy Hours programme…

Xantic has announced a major extension of ChatCard, its all-in-one calling solution for Inmarsat services. development, the new ChatCard Reload service offers a web-enabled reloading function. directly on the internet, offering significant savings in both time and money. First released in 2001, Xantic's ChatCard calling solution proved an instant success. cards and services. The effects of crew being able to contact home in terms of morale were also clear. ChatCard Reload takes the benefits of cost control and reduced administration to a new level. companies need to buy fewer cards and have less in stock. were used, ChatCard Reload allows the cards to be recharged over and over again. The regular ChatCards can also be reloaded.

Stratos Global Corp. announced it has completed deployment of its AmosConnect from Stratos maritime satellite communications solution for 28 commercial vessels managed by Dockendale Shipping Co., Ltd. Dockendale is is a provider of maritime transportation services. Deployed on more than 10,000 vessels worldwide, AmosConnect integrates email, fax, telex and GSM text into a single messaging system for use onboard or in offices onshore. The user-friendly solution can be tailored to meet the mobile connectivity needs of maritime vessels ranging from small yachts to large commercial fleets. Stratos outfitted each of Dockendale’s 28 vessels with one AmosConnect license, installed on an Inmarsat Fleet F77 satellite terminal.

Xantic will offer 24-hour Happy Hour calling during the upcoming holiday season. The company has experienced rapid growth in the crew calling market since the debut of its ChatCard calling service, which operates with a single card that can be recharged online and works on all terminal types at any time. A universal flat fee, with no connection cost, is charged no matter where the call originates and for all destinations. The 24-hour calling periods will take place from (all times UTC) - 8 p.m. December 23 – 6 a.m. January 2 (Christmas and New Year’s) - 8 p.m. January 27 – 6 a.m. February 6 (Chinese Lunar New Year) - 8 p.m. April 14 – 11:59 a.m. April 16 (Easter) The Happy Hour tariffs will apply to all calls made via B, M, mini-M and Fleet terminals.