Telecommunications company Satlink, which specialises in products and services intended for the maritime sector, has chosen HISPASAT, the Spanish satellite telecommunications operator, to strengthen its satellite connectivity solutions (VSAT) portfolio in Europe and Latin America. This new solutions will be provided through the operator's platforms in Bogotá (Colombia) and Arganda del Rey (Spain).
Using Ku band VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal, small satellite connection antennas) terminals pointed to HISPASAT's satellites located at 30º West orbital position, merchant vessels, ferries, yachts sand fishing boat companies will be able to enjoy high-capacity connectivity on their ships. This will allow them to offer applications such as Internet access for the crew and passengers, high quality links to receive television, emergency services and telephone solutions, all tailored to the needs of each individual client.
For José Antonio Guerra, HISPASAT's Sales Office Manager, "we are very proud to rely on Satlink in order to reinforce our presence in the maritime mobility sphere, one of the fields with the greatest potential for growth in satellite telecommunications in upcoming years, and one where Satlink has a powerful presence".
Jean-Paul Geelen, Satlink's Satcom Division Director, added that "with this agreement, Satlink is expanding its service options for the maritime sector where we have acquired a great deal of experience thanks to the applications that are benchmarks in the sector today. HISPASAT's high throughput satellites will be able to offer new connectivity solutions specific for every type of vessel. We hope to achieve the same recognition as we have with the rest of our portfolio".
The maritime sector is one of the main drivers for growth in the satellite market in upcoming years for operators and service providers. Satellites are the ideal option to offer connectivity in the maritime sphere where it is impossible to roll out terrestrial infrastructures. The demand for connectivity in this market is expected to grow ten-fold in upcoming years. In fact, it is estimated that the number of antennas on ships will practically double by 2023, from 24,500 today to 45,000 within 4 years. HISPASAT's fleet features optimised coverage in the Ku band to offer efficient, high-quality services available in the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, north-western rim of Africa, the Caribbean, the coast of Chile and other areas in the Pacific.