Maritime broadband portfolio extended with launch of VSAT service

Vizada says its Pharostar VSAT service will help meet increasing market demand for high-performance broadband connectivity at sea. Based on iDirect technology, the service provides standard IP data speeds of 1024 kbps for multiple applications such as internet, e-mail and VoIP.

The connectivity is said to emulate that of corporate networks and an ‘always on’ service permits unlimited data transfer. The service also enables crew on board merchant vessels, tankers and oil & gas platforms to use voice and data services simultaneously with near global coverage. Pharostar VSAT can be combined with one or more Vizada software products to improve data transfer, increase security, and help control communications costs.

Pharostar is the most recent addition to Vizada’s maritime broadband portfolio, which includes Inmarsat FleetBroadband and Iridium OpenPort. The company says it aims to offer customers significant choice in terms of data connectivity speeds, coverage, terminal and antenna size. It now also enables Vizada to match the dual requirements of many of its shipping company users by bundling Pharostar with FleetBroadband or OpenPort.

“Pharostar enables us to offer our service providers an exclusive competitive advantage by arming them with a high-performance broadband communications service supported by industry leading solutions and technical expertise,” said Erik Ceuppens, CEO Vizada EMEA & Asia.