Vizada launches most advanced global maritime broadband packages

Vizada has launched a range of highly flexible global maritime broadband packages seamlessly integrating Ku-band VSAT and mobile satellite services (MSS), including the newly-launched Vizada XChange.

The Vizada global maritime broadband packages provide unmatched choice to shipping companies: they can select the combination of VSAT, MSS hardware and airtime best suited to their needs while being able to upgrade to a higher bandwidth plan or next generation satellite service during or after contract termination.

The packages range from unlimited 256kbps VSAT airtime-only starting at $1,500 per month up to an unlimited 1024kbps VSAT plus MSS airtime and hardware back-up, for a monthly fee of $2,750. Customers can choose between a VSAT antenna from Thrane & Thrane, Vizada’s preferred partner, as well as Intellian or Sea Tel, with the Inmarsat FleetBroadband 250 and 500 or Iridium OpenPort service as back up.

Packages are further enhanced with the newly launched Vizada XChange service, seamlessly integrating VSAT, MSS voice and broadband data in one unified global maritime communications network and providing full access to Vizada Solutions, such as the SkyFile messaging and security suite and Prepaid solutions, hosted via the Vizada teleports. Users experience the same high quality Vizada Solutions across any service combination.

In order to meet timeframes that suit shipping companies’ needs, Vizada offers highly flexible contractual terms, starting from 12 month commitments. 36 month contracts include vessel lay-up and bandwidth upgrade options while allowing for the best migration path to next generation Ku- or Ka-band service.

“Our partners know that Vizada always designs our offers to fit the precise communications and business needs of their maritime customers,” states Jeffrey Irwin, Product Director, Vizada. “The $2500 broadband package, for instance, is built to offer unlimited 256Kbps Ku-band connectivity, and a choice of MSS hardware and airtime for back-up within a 36-month period. This provides shipping co’s tremendous flexibility to upgrade to a higher bandwidth plan or next-gen VSAT, when available – which suits customer demands today, and allows for choice in the future.”

The coverage of Vizada’s Pharostar VSAT service will be extended in the Indian and Southern Atlantic Oceans in 2011 and 2012 enabling shipping companies to benefit from global Ku-band connectivity. In this way Pharostar connectivity is available on the main shipping routes from Asia to South Africa, overcoming what is considered the main gap in global VSAT coverage.

Available via Vizada’s global network of certified service providers, the new global maritime broadband package offers shipping companies the right level of choice flexibly today and in the future.