Service supports maritime broadband communications.
Press Release Summary:
Providing management control and broadband IP connectivity, FleetBroadband from Stratos delivers high-speed data and voice communications, available simultaneously, at speeds up to 432 kbps. It can be deployed across entire fleet and seamlessly integrated with head-office networks. In addition to any IP service, FleetBroadband supports traditional circuit-switched voice and ISDN data for legacy applications.
Original Press Release:
Stratos Introduces Maritime Broadband Communications Solution Supported by Inmarsat's FleetBroadband Mobile Satellite Service
--FleetBroadband from Stratos delivers management control and broadband IP connectivity to provide ship managers cost efficiency and optimal performance--
BETHESDA, MD, Sept. 19 /-- Stratos Global Corp. (TSX: SGB), the leading global provider of advanced mobile and fixed-site remote communications solutions, today 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.
Stratos is the largest supplier of mobile satellite services to the maritime industry, with communications to more than 40,000 maritime terminals worldwide. FleetBroadband from Stratos represents an extension of Stratos' broadband maritime portfolio, which includes a wide range of VSAT solutions.
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 provides cost-effective, high-speed data and voice communications - available simultaneously - at speeds up to 432kpbs. 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.
Communications managers will find that FleetBroadband from Stratos can be rapidly deployed across an entire fleet and, as a standard IP service, seamlessly integrated with head-office networks. Terminals will operate globally and the user interface is expected to be standard across all products. FleetBroadband from Stratos will support any IP services, as well as traditional circuit-switched voice and ISDN data for legacy applications. Terminal costs are expected to be relatively low and the network will support all the latest security protocols.
FleetBroadband from Stratos Features the Stratos Advantage
With the benefit of the Stratos Advantage, FleetBroadband from Stratos is elevated far above baseline FleetBroadband services. The value-added 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 and customer satisfaction.
Stratos President and CEO Jim Parm said, "By offering a feature-rich portfolio of FleetBroadband-supported services, we are continuing our tradition of going the extra mile to make mobile satellite solutions easy to use and efficient to own. As the world's largest distributor of Inmarsat products, we optimize the FleetBroadband experience by providing cost efficiency along with first-rate security and support."
FleetBroadband from Stratos will be available to end-users and Stratos channel partners in several attractive pricing packages, including group pricing, on-demand pricing and pre-paid pricing. Maritime customers can secure more information on FleetBroadband from Stratos by calling their Stratos account manager or by visiting www.thepowerofmobilebroadband.com.
About Stratos
Stratos (TSX: SGB), with over a century of service, is the world's trusted leader for vital communications, offering the most powerful and extensive portfolio of remote communications products, including mobile and fixed satellite and microwave services. Stratos' more than 20,000 customers use our services on seven continents and across the world's oceans. Stratos serves U.S. and international government, military, first responder, NGO, oil and gas, industrial, maritime, aeronautical, enterprise, and media users. For more information visit www.stratosglobal.com.
CONTACT: Sue Keith, (703) 980-9802, Sue.Keith@stratosglobal.com
