Marlink and Intelsat extend partnership to increase bandwidth capacity for maritime customers
Growth in expedition cruise itineraries and polar vessel traffic prompts agreement for fresh capacity to serve demanding niche markets
Oslo and Paris, 31.03.2022 – Marlink, the smart network company, has extended its partnership with Intelsat to offer increased Ku and C-band satellite connectivity to maritime customers in cruise and merchant shipping sectors.
The agreement will see Intelsat assign capacity to the Marlink network providing a unique level of coverage in waters as far south as Antarctica as well as ocean regions around Africa and the Middle East. Marlink will derive the additional capacity from multiple assets, including Intelsat’s high-throughput satellites.
As the cruise industry restarts its operations post-COVID, an increasing demand for digital services is driving bandwidth usage; polar cruise itineraries are growing, with specialised vessels operating in more extreme and remote locations, carrying passengers with high demand for connectivity. At the same time, vessel traffic including cargo, ice-breaking, enforcement, survey and supply ships is increasing the demand for high-quality bandwidth.
Marlink and Intelsat are longstanding partners in mobile maritime connectivity, with Intelsat supplying Ku-band GEO capacity to the Marlink hybrid network for over two decades acting as a cornerstone of Marlink’s hybrid VSAT network.
Making digitalisation a reality for cruise operators requires a hybrid, ‘network of networks’ approach that combines flexible satellite capacity to provide a bespoke solution for each client, said Tore Morten Olsen, President, Maritime, Marlink. This agreement reflects Marlink’s ambition to meet user needs regardless of niche requirements in terms of connectivity, coverage and digital solutions required.
Intelsat has enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with Marlink over many years and this agreement represents a fresh chapter in serving more maritime and cruise customers in niche locations, said Mark Rasmussen, Senior Vice President, Mobility, Intelsat. “Our large, global fleet of specialized mobility satellites and our ability to direct coverage where it is needed on demand mark us out as a long-term partner that integrators can rely on to deliver solutions that address their customers’ needs.
About Intelsat
As the foundational architects of satellite technology, Intelsat operates the world’s most trusted satellite telecom network. We apply our unparalleled expertise and global scale to connect people, businesses, governments and communities, no matter how difficult the challenge. Intelsat is building the future of global communications with the world’s first hybrid, multi-orbit, software-defined 5G network designed for simple, seamless, and secure coverage precisely when and where our customers most need it. Follow the leader in global connectivity and “Imagine Here,” with us, at Intelsat.com.
About Marlink
Marlink is the trusted partner in fully managed smart network solutions, based on an intelligent hybrid network and unrivalled digital solutions.
The company provides Smart Network Solutions, connecting people and assets around the globe and across all markets where conventional connectivity cannot reach or is not available. Marlink’s Intelligent Hybrid Network combines global satcom and terrestrial technologies via a proprietary global infrastructure.
The Marlink Smart Edge, an integrated service delivery platform, orchestrates and optimises all network elements and applications, from data handling and IT to application-based routing (SD Wan), cloud and Digital Solutions, including remote data and IT, cyber security as well as IoT/OT solutions.
This provides customers with full ‘Peace of Mind’ that their chosen network solution is fully optimised, integrated and has the security required to operate more profitably and sustainably, increasing their efficiency and safety through operational optimisation, tracking and routing, monitoring and reporting.
Marlink’s Smart Network Solutions are provided as Managed Services meeting the highest quality standards and service level agreements. The company proactively monitors and supports network solutions, providing alerts, reporting and insights on performance and usage of connectivity, systems, and applications as well as advice and consultancy on how to further optimise customer networks.