Marlink announces the extension of its maritime satellite communications Ku-band VSAT services to include Hong Kong, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean. The coverage expansion follows a recent VNO (Virtual Network Operator) agreement with Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS) Hong Kong for the use of the wide Southern Ku-band beam on the ABS-1 satellite at 75°E. The ABS-1 Southern Beam offers the widest Ku-band coverage in the Asia-Pacific region extending from Mongolia to the South of Thailand and across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Japan. Use of the ABS-1 satellite will enable Marlink to provide greater Ku-band coverage to its WaveCall(TM) and @SEAdirect(TM) customers in Hong Kong, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.

"Our latest Ku-band expansion to cover Hong Kong and its surrounding areas supports growing demand for always-on, reliable communications in the region and is part of our ongoing strategy to provide Ku-band coverage on a global scale. Following our recent agreement with ABS the new coverage spot is available with immediate effect to all WaveCall(TM) and @SEAdirect customers sailing in the region," comments Tore Morten Olsen, CEO, Marlink.

Marlink's WaveCall(TM) and @SEAdirect(TM) Ku-band VSAT services provide always-on unlimited use satellite communications including Internet, email and voice services, at a fixed monthly price. The company's extension of Ku-band coverage to include this region has been made possible by the company's recent appointment of ABS to house its Ku-band VSAT equipment there.  Marlink will manage and operate the network in this region remotely from its Southbury teleport in the United States.  ABS has been selected by Marlink as a company equally committed to providing exceptional service to its customers and is maintaining its aggressive growth through the announcement of more strategic partnerships, acquisitions and further additions to its satellite fleet of ABS-1, ABS-1A, ABS-1B, ABS-2, ABS-5 and ABS-7.