OSLO, Norway,  June 10,  2004/Satnews/  Telenor Satellite Services announced the commercial launch of Sealink Global Access, the company's latest broadband communications package delivering high-speed global access to the maritime industry.

This new maritime very small aperture terminal (VSAT) service provides ships with connections of up to 256 kbps and at a fixed monthly fee. 

The Sealink Global Access off-the-shelf package includes on-board telephone/fax lines, Internet and Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) access, installation and maintenance of the on-board antenna and equipment, and around-the-clock customer support.  The new service can be tailored to meet specific shipboard satellite communications needs including prepaid calling service for passengers and crew, additional phones and data ports, and fixed leased lines to ships' land-based facilities from Telenor's teleports.

"Ship owners and ship management companies are constantly looking for ways to increase the efficiency of their operations, better manage costs, and improve their profitability," said Pål Jensen, vice president of Telenor Satellite Services.  "Sealink Global Access incorporates all the communications functionality of our well-proven Sealink broadband solution using smaller, commercially available equipment that provides the maritime shipping and transportation markets a very cost-effective and fully-managed communications package for global and regional operations."

Sealink is Telenor's suite of digital high-speed communications solutions that extend corporate networks and make other broadband communications available on a leased basis to ships at sea.  Currently serving more than 300 vessels globally, Sealink provides turnkey managed communications solutions for a wide variety of maritime industries as well as ocean-going transportation and supply operations.