Inmarsat plc (LSE: ISAT), provider of global mobile satellite communications services, announced the launch of its new FleetBroadband 150 service. FleetBroadband 150 (FB150) was developed for the leisure, fishing, coastal merchant and small defense vessel markets.
For the leisure market, FB150 offers a simple and cost-effective way to stay connected by phone, SMS or email when sailing. It offers a voice connection at landline quality, accessible simultaneously with Internet-capable IP data at 150kbps and simple-to-use SMS. Above-deck equipment measures around 20cm in diameter and weighs four and a half to nine lbs, ensuring a quick and easy installation. FB150 connects to a standard PC and supports off-the-shelf applications.
Inmarsat has designed this new entry-level service to address the needs of smaller vessels with lower data requirements. As an IP-based service, FB150 works with the same standard home/office software that most users will know.
For smaller fishing vessels, operating in a competitive market, FB150 enable access to the same online weather updates and fishing resources as their larger competition. “FleetBroadband has already demonstrated its value in the fisheries sector, and with FB150 we can now bring these same benefits to smaller fishing boats,” said Cunningham. “We have designed FB150 to pack the most functionality into the smallest possible above-deck unit, and at a cost that addresses the price sensitivity of the fishing market”.
FB150 hardware is manufactured by AddValue and Thrane & Thrane. The service will be available through Inmarsat’s network of distribution partners and service providers.
(www.inmarsat.com)