Global Satellite USA has launched the new Inmarsat  FleetBroadband 150 service, which was developed for the leisure, fishing, coastal merchant, and small defense vessel markets.

FleetBroadband 150 (FB150) is the world’s smallest, lightest, fastest global maritime service. The Fleebroad 150 offers a voice connection at landline quality, accessible simultaneously with Internet-capable IP data at 150kbps and simple-to-use SMS. Above-deck equipment measures around 20cm in diameter and weighs only 4.5 to 9 lbs, ensuring a quick and easy installation. FB150 connects to a standard PC and supports off-the-shelf applications. Inmarsat has optimized the new entry-level service to address the needs of smaller vessels with lower data requirements. FB150 provides owners and operators of leisure craft with the assurance of a reliable connection, no matter their position. As an IP-based service, FB150 works with the same standard home/office software that most leisure users will know. For smaller fishing vessels, operating in a competitive market, FB150 enable access to the same online weather updates and fishing resources as their larger competition. FB150 hardware is manufactured by AddValue (Skipper) and Thrane & Thrane (Sailor) and both of these products will be available from Global Satellite USA.