Everything is shipshape now that Satellite communications provider NSSL has been selected by Paradigm Services Ltd (PSL) to provide welfare internet services to a selection of Fleet assets. This is an extension to the Inmarsat based services already provided to PSL for their Skynet 5 service.

Peter Bruton, Managing Director of Paradigm Services Ltd, said: "Providing welfare communication capacity to military personnel anywhere, anytime has been a fundamental part of our business since 1999. Ensuring that welfare communications are always available is vital to the morale of both the overseas troops and to those they leave behind, and we are proud to have NSSL on board with us."

Per the agreement, NSSL will provide voice and broadband services, as part of the crew welfare package, for deployed personnel on selected Minor War Vessels (MWV) (fewer than 50 personnel), Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) vessels, support ships and submarines. The solution, which enables sailors to stay in touch with their loved ones back home and keep up to date with current events, includes Internet access and 30 minutes of voice communications per sailor, per week.

The package also includes NSSL’s full 24/7 support and maintenance as the solution is rolled out over the next three years. In order to provide a smooth transition, the sub-contract will also include full support and maintenance for the existing welfare communications systems on smaller vessels.