Satcom Global has announced a crew calling initiative that is providing free telephone vouchers to each of the firm's Satcom Global Aura VSAT customers as part of the company's efforts to support seafarer welfare during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The satellite communications provider and operator of the Aura network is supplying customers with a free-of-charge 30-minute voucher for each crew member stationed on-board a vessel using the Aura service, to help keep lines of communication open between vessel and shore.
Aura crew voice services are supported by IPSignature 4, Satcom Global’s proprietary communications management solution, which enables the generation of easy to use virtual voice pins for crew to use at their leisure. With the implementation of the free voucher initiative underway, Satcom Global hopes to reach upwards of 20,000 seafarers with the scheme.
Delivering cost effective maritime communications services across multiple satellite networks, Satcom Global operates a dedicated in-house development team who have delivered a range of value-added crew focused communication systems and satellite optimized tools for over 20 years.
The company launched their Aura Ku-band VSAT service in 2016, to support the growing needs of the maritime community for bandwidth capable of delivering both improved connectivity for crew, whilst ensuring the wide-ranging data demands for vessel operations were also amply met. With its organically growing network and guaranteed CIR (Committed Information Rate) across all service packages, Aura has fast become a VSAT service of choice for shipping fleets across the globe.
Ian Robinson, the CEO of Satcom Global, commented that on speaking to a number of ship owners and managers since the Coronavirus outbreak began, the company appreciates that there are significant challenges being faced by the maritime industry, not least if which is the direct impact on the mental well-being of seafarers as they face longer spells at sea and the inability to travel home. Satcom Global hopes this gesture will help more crew to connect with family and friends and bring some relief during these difficult times.
