Marlink, Intelsat plan to enhance bandwidth in remotest regions

Marlink will offer increased Ku and C-band satellite connectivity to vessels, deriving the additional capacity from multiple assets including Intelsat’s high-throughput satellites.

The two companies 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.

‘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 VP, mobility, Intelsat.

‘Our large, global fleet of specialised 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.’

Growing need for digital services

Polar cruise itineraries are growing, with specialised vessels operating in more extreme and remote locations while increasing demand for digital services is driving bandwidth usage.

Remarked Tore Morten Olsen, president, maritime, Marlink, ‘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.

‘This agreement reflects Marlink’s ambition to meet user needs regardless of niche requirements in terms of connectivity, coverage and digital solutions required.’