Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT.L) is returning as the Volvo Ocean Race’s official Global Satellite Communications Partner—this ongoing partnership advances the possibilities of onboard SATCOM and powers the race’s digital content delivery from the oceans, all the while supplying crucial safety and tracking services.
Inmarsat’s fleet of satellites, some 36,000 km out in space, deliver the race communications technology. Inmarsat FleetBroadband provides an ‘always-on’ connection for teams allowing applications such as Internet access, emails, calls, weather reporting and telemedicine.
FleetBroadband also features streaming IP available on demand, for live applications such as high-quality video streaming. Global Xpress will make its first contribution to the Race supporting press and media at race villages throughout the globe.
The 2017-18 Volvo Ocean Race is pushing the boundaries in terms of racing conditions and locations as well as in the delivery of safety services and creating an ‘on-board’ digital experience. For the first time, sailors will be able to post on social media during every leg of their race. More content than ever before will be able to be beamed ashore using the Inmarsat satellite network. In addition to Inmarsat C safety services and tracking devices, each of the Volvo Ocean 65 boats will also carry an IsatPhone 2 satellite phone in their life raft packs.
Since 1973, the Volvo Ocean Race has set the standard for modern ocean racing, with the world’s best sailors facing extreme conditions over a 45,000 nautical mile race track. The next race will depart from Alicante, Spain on October 22, 2017 and will visit a total of 11 cities across five continents.
According to Rupert Pearce, the CEO of Inmarsat, the company will provide support for the sailors in terms of safety, communications and advanced broadcasting. The partnership with Volvo Ocean Race allows Inmarsat to showcase the cutting edge, reliable technology that connects sailors to the rest of the world, even from the most isolated locations.
Mark Turner, the CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, commented that during the last edition, the partnership with Inmarsat helped to deliver some of the Volvo Ocean Race’s most memorable moments, such as broadcasting live from Cape Horn as the fleet rounded, and enabling satellite connection to the Team Vestas Wind crew who were grounded on an atoll in the middle of the Indian Ocean.