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.