VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a company of VT Systems Inc (VT Systems) has announced that Applied Satellite Technology Ltd (AST) has launched a maritime VSAT broadband service built on the iDirect Intelligent Platform. The new offering introduces higher bandwidth data rates as well as a flat-fee service model to AST’s customers, and is supported by AST’s technology management services. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology. With offices in the U.K., Australia, Singapore, and South Africa, AST provides a wide range of satellite service options to marine and land customers around the world. The company’s investment in an iDirect VSAT network is a response to growing demand from maritime companies whose communications needs have moved beyond basic connectivity requirements.

The new broadband service provides Ku- and C-band coverage and is designed to operate on the 4000 and 6000 Sea Tel Cobham stabilized VSAT antenna range. Data rates can reach 512 Kbps on the inbound channel and 2 Mbps on the outbound channel, supporting bandwidth intensive applications such as Voice over IP, remote engine monitoring, real-time data transfer and video streaming. The AST broadband service is available today for organizations with vessels or land-based operations in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific regions. The service extends worldwide through AST’s partnership with Speedcast using Eutelsat’s global satellite network. Network management and systems integration. The AST VSAT broadband offering is supported by several of the provider’s technology and network management services. These include:

• Remote IT and systems management: AST’s team of network technicians can remotely handle standard maintenance and problem resolution for onboard communications equipment as well as a vessel’s IT systems.
• Business continuity service: AST has developed a remote diagnostic solution that monitors onboard network activity. If service is interrupted, the system can facilitate an auto-switchover to operate in another satellite band, preserving network uptime and avoiding costly service visits.
• Customized Service Level Agreements: Using iDirect’s Group Quality of Service technology, AST can tailor Service Level Agreements to meet the real-time bandwidth needs of each vessel, while enabling cost-effective sharing of satellite capacity. Committed Information Rates can be set for specific onboard applications, with the ability for each vessel to burst into a Maximum Information Rate based on a fleet’s larger bandwidth pool.
• Systems integration: AST can integrate a VSAT network with marine electronics systems and other satellite communications technology through the use of iDirect’s iToolkit, which is an API feature of the iVantage Network Management System. In addition, AST collaborates with its customers to assess ongoing network requirements and provides technology development services to support future applications and increase network performance.