Stratos Introduces Broadband Comm Solution

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. \ 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.