Just ask and Thrane & Thrane A/S delivers — this time VT iDirect, Inc.  (iDirect), a company of VT Systems Inc (VT Systems), announced that Thrane & Thrane A/S has implemented the iDirect satellite communications platform that will support their customers' growing need for high-speed connectivity at sea. Thrane & Thrane manufactures equipment and systems for global mobile communication based on satellite and radio technology, and iDirect provides satellite-based IP communications technology.

Thrane & Thrane's newly launched Sailor 900 VSAT system provides a range of fixed broadband data packages, going up to 1024 kbps downlink/256 kbps uplink, and supports multiple voice channels at competitive rates. The system equips ship operators with always-on broadband connectivity to expand crew communications, strengthen connectivity to corporate networks and support remote vessel management.

As you've been reading here commercial shipping companies are rapidly bringing VSAT networks onboard their vessels, and they are also looking for strategies to make the most efficient use of broadband service and leverage their existing investments in narrowband systems. Representing this industry, the Sailor 900 VSAT system features dual ports to provide seamless automated switching between a primary, fixed-fee VSAT broadband network and pay-per-use narrowband coverage. A ship's narrowband system becomes a back-up to the VSAT network and maintains coverage when a satellite network may be out of range.

The Sailor 900 VSAT system also leverages iDirect's advanced Group Quality of Service (QoS) technology, which enables ship operators to create bandwidth profiles that govern uplink and downlink speeds for every application onboard. For example, operators can establish separate networks for crew and operations communications. This preserves bandwidth for high-priority applications and heightens overall network performance.

Thrane & Thrane's VSAT service is initially available in Europe and northern Africa over Ku-band. The iDirect platform supports Thrane & Thrane's plans to expand its VSAT network to include worldwide coverage. Partnering with leading maritime satellite operators, iDirect has developed technology innovations, such as geo-mapping, global network management, and automatic beam switching that will enable Thrane & Thrane's customers to maintain seamless broadband coverage as they travel around the world.

"VSAT broadband represents the future of maritime communications and a key to increased business productivity onboard and on shore. We have pioneered a flexible solution that provides our customers with the iDirect satellite communications platform, which is the industry's most trusted VSAT broadband system, and yet enables them to leverage their existing investment in narrowband systems."Jens Ewerling Global Marketing Manager for Maritime Satcom, Thrane & Thrane.

"Across the maritime industry there is a growing demand to stay connected with land-based operations, while improving the life of crew onboard, through high-speed satellite networks. Thrane & Thrane has developed an outstanding service concept based on a vessel's dynamic communications needs. Our Intelligent Platform continues to be the technology of choice for the leading providers of VSAT maritime communications like Thrane & Thrane." David Harrower Regional Vice President and Managing Director, Europe, Russia and CIS, iDirect



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