Singapore , 21 March 2006 – Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel) today announced that the maritime community can now enjoy high-speed two-way IP broadband satellite communications services between ship and shore with the launch of its new Maritime VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminals) service.

 

With the new service, the maritime community can now fully integrate their IT applications onboard ships with their offices at shore easily and cost effectively via IP (Internet Protocol). The new service supports email, web browsing, fax and voice via an IP broadband satellite transmission network.  Coverage for the service will initially be available for the Asia Pacific region.

 

“Singtel Maritime VSAT is a breakthrough by increasing bandwidth and lowering cost.   Now, the maritime community can use a high bandwidth and cost effective solution for their ship and shore communications,” said Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Vice-President, Singtel Satellite.  “Unlike traditional maritime services where bandwidths are only up to 128kbps and charges are time-based, users of our service will enjoy unlimited high speeds access at fixed monthly fees.”

 

With access speeds from 256kbps to 1Mbps, Singtel’s Maritime VSAT service meets the needs of high usage customers.  Users can also enjoy savings of up to 80 per cent.  

 

The new Singtel Maritime VSAT offering lets users make simultaneous voice and data communications between ship and shore.   This means a user onboard a ship will be able to make a phone call, while sending email or surfing the Internet – an experience that one would expect and enjoy while on-shore.  Previously, they could perform only one function at a time while out-at-sea.

 

The new service operates with a small C-Band antenna of between 1.2metre and 1.5metre in diameter and satellite equipment that fits well into the limited space of smaller vessels.  These vessels are usually owned by operators of leisure crafts, trading enterprises and those in the coastal fishing industry.