World-Link Communications Launches ShipSat

News was prepared under the information support of Online Daily Newspaper on Hellenic and international Shipping "Hellenic Shipping News".

30 Sep 2009

World-Link Communications announced the availability of its ShipSat service, a broadband IP solution that integrates Ku VSAT and Inmarsat’s L band services. ShipSat, for a flat monthly fee, delivers global IP access, least-cost-routing (LCR) and switching capabilities among Inmarsat FBB, Ku VSAT and other wireless broadband technologies including OpenPort, 3G, WiFi, and WiMax.
Integrating those technologies is the ShipSat “Gatekeeper” that performs switching, security, routing and LCR services. ShipSat targets vessels in the high end of merchant shipping that are currently looking for a global, reliable, and controlled IP solution.
ShipSat “always on” connectivity utilizes a mini-VSAT antenna of 60 cm with auto switching and includes an FBB 150 or Iridium OpenPort system to be used as a back up in areas where VSAT coverage is marginal.
ShipSat is delivered as a complete integrated solution including Satcom antennas, below deck equipment, “Gatekeeper” box, airtime, and World-Link value added services including split billing, crew mail, crew internet, and other maritime applications.
Service rates are tiered to accommodate ships that already have FBB and Fleet systems onboard but are looking to add VSAT capabilities. ShipSat plans start at $1,850 per month and include a VSAT 256K/128K service plus an FBB 150 or an OpenPort with a 36 month contract.
Central to the ShipSat system is the “Gatekeeper” box. Designed and developed from the ground up by World-Link, it provides a number of critical functions including a firewall that limits access based on users and available networks, FastLink compression of up to 80%, black and white lists of web sites, advertising blocking on web browsing, switching and routing between different QoS services. The “Gatekeeper” acts as a central hub onboard that links the ship to the shore network via secure encrypted tunnels, and provides for accurate billing for the different services onboard including email and crew internet access.
“We saw that our customers are demanding flat fee broadband access that is offered today by Ku VSAT; shipping also requires global reliability of the Inmarsat system. ShipSat marries VSAT and Inmarsat in a cost efficient solution that delivers reliability and cost predictability to the merchant shipping community. We are confident that ship owners and managers are primed to enhance their vessel operations by the opportunities presented by ShipSat’s broadband reliable capabilities. Whether it is enhanced data security, crew welfare and retention, or regulatory compliance, all are applications that have become more increasingly dependent on broadband. We are looking to succeed in helping our client shipping companies to become more competitive while preparing for the economic upturn,” said Asad Salameh, President of World-Link Communications.
One more time, World-Link Communications delivers on its commitment of reliability, innovation, and customer service by delivering more for less to the maritime community.
World-Link Communications is an award-winning provider of customizable, maritime satellite communications solutions. The Company, founded in 1989, is based in Framingham, Massachusetts and has offices around the world.
ISO9001 Certified and serving more than 800 hundred ships, the organization delivers maritime satellite services combining proprietary acceleration, compression and network optimization technologies that have won the trust of ship owners and managers worldwide.
World-Link Communications is committed to improving maritime satellite communications services while meeting their customers’ need for faster, more reliable and cost effective services.

Source: World-Link Communications Inc.