Fleetbroadband Case Study - Maltese Falcon

Fleetbroadband Case Study

Maltese Falcon

When only the best will do

Recognised as one of the most spectacular and technologically advanced yachts in the world, the Maltese Falcon is the perfect partner for Inmarsat's global broadband service for the maritime sector - FleetBroadband.

New Fleetbroadband 150 Satellite Terminal

First FleetBroadband 150 terminals enter the market

Owners and operators of small leisure, fishing and merchant vessels will be able to buy the first terminals offering Inmarsat’s new entry-level FleetBroadband 150 service - with simultaneous voice, SMS and IP data at data rates of up to 150kbps - from Tuesday (30 June).

Two FB150 terminals are being unveiled for service launch. The first is Thrane & Thrane’s Sailor 150 FleetBroadband, which is based on the same ease of use and high quality build as its existing Sailor FleetBroadband range for larger vessels.

The unit measures up at 278 x 231 x 41mm, with a below-deck unit weight of 2kg. The antenna has a diameter of 275mm and is 291mm high.

Intuitive interface
The handset provides an intuitive user interface on a 55mm TFT colour screen and incorporates cutting-edge technology, such as echo cancellation and noise suppression software for exceptional call quality.

The Sailor 150 also benefits from the Thrane & Thrane’s network of On Board Service Centers (OSC) around the world, providing global service and support.

A second terminal from Addvalue, the Wideye Skipper 150, is expected to be type approved by Inmarsat and available on the market shortly.

The Iridium 9555 Handheld Satellite Phone

Check out the latest video on the Iridium 9555 Handheld Satellite Phone

Setting up the Thrane 300 BGAN Satellite System

Here's step by step instructions how to set up a BGAN satellite terminal:

Everest Climbers Use BGAN

Everest climbers broadcast ascent videos on YouTube

A team of climbers have been using BGAN to broadcast high definition footage of their ascent of Mount Everest around the globe via the video sharing website YouTube.

The Born Out There climbers filmed on three Sony EX video cameras, then used BGAN to upload the video to an FTP site in the US. From there, it was uploaded to the expedition blog and to YouTube.



Despite the high altitude and freezing conditions, the solar powered BGAN terminal performed flawlessly.

Climbing the world’s highest mountain is one thing - filming it is another. Each day, one of the team had to head up the face, supported by a Sherpa who kept him in a secure position, but away from the main fixed lines being used by the ascent teams.

In these precarious conditions, he had to concentrate on filming with the correct exposure as his team-mates climbed from below.

The footage was captured on memory cards carried back to base camp by a Sherpa, where it was edited on a Mac Book Pro and then uploaded via BGAN.

Fleetbroadband 150 Has Arrived!!

Entry-level broadband arrives for armada of smaller vessels

Large vessel connectivity comes to an armada of small leisure, fishing and merchant vessels with the launch of Inmarsat’s new entry-level FleetBroadband 150 service.

The new service, inaugurated in Miami, Florida, on 11 May, makes broadband communications even more accessible - delivering voice and IP data, plus SMS, up to 150kbps as standard.

Low-cost and with a competitive airtime package, the service supports a new range of FB150 terminals designed for smaller fishing, coastal merchant and leisure vessels with relatively low data requirements.

Weather reportsInmarsat’s maritime market manager Kyle Hurst said: “For smaller leisure vessels, FleetBroadband 150 is ideal for checking weather reports, email and for keeping in touch with the office or home.

“With fishing vessels, it will help them keep a competitive edge by knowing where the fish are and getting them to market at the best price. There are also new regulatory requirements on catch reporting that FleetBroadband 150 will help them meet.”

The new service was launched to customers, distribution partners and the media on a cruise around Biscayne Bay off Miami.

Challenging conditions

Sig Hansen, captain of one of the fishing vessels featured in the Discovery Channel documentary series Deadliest Catch, and Rick Deppe, a media crew member from the Volvo Ocean Race, currently stopping over in Boston, gave their insights into using FleetBroadband in some of the most challenging conditions at sea.

Inmarsat’s head of maritime business, Piers Cunningham, said: “The FB150 is not big, but it is clever. It is the world’s smallest, lightest and fastest satellite broadband terminal.”

FB150 terminals from Thrane & Thrane and Addvalue are expected to be available from mid June.

Are You Prepared for Hurricane Season?

With less than 5 weeks remaining until hurricane season, now is the time to assess your satellite communications needs. International Satellite Services, Inc has prepared for this hurricane season by stocking a large inventory of both the Iridium 9505A and the NEW Iridium 9555 Handheld Satellite Phones. Both of these terminals provide global services, allowing users to send and receive voice and data transmissions, regardless of location AND during emergency situations when terrestrial connectivity is not possible. Please contact us now for special pricing.

Are you interested in a portable high speed data and simultaneous voice solution? The Wideye Sabre 1 BGAN Terminal by ISS is the perfect solution for browsing the web, sending/receiving emails and simultaneously making voice calls… all in one terminal. The Wideye is equipped with a range of common interfaces, providing connectivity options in the field and the swiveled antenna facilitates rapid and easy pointing for a satellite connection. Combined with its sub-laptop size, the terminal is ideal for single users in an emergency situation who need to set up a complete mobile office in frequently changing locations.

Contact us NOW at toll free 888.511.3403 or visit us on the web for our entire portfolio of Satellite Communications products and services.