Fleet Broadband - The Next Generation of Maritime Communication

As of February 15, 2008, Fleet Broadband from Inmarsat became available for sale to the general public. This revolutionary global satellite Internet system delivers the highest broadband speeds in a compact domed antenna. Fleet Broadband is the first global maritime communications platform that makes Internet usage on sea nearly identical to land based networks. Simply plug this into your onboard LAN and all systems can connect to the Internet. Regardless of type or size of vessel, Fleet Broadband offers a compact solution no matter your position or conditions at sea.

 
  The Sailor Fleet Broadband FB250 (shown above) ships complete with a one standard IP phone & cradle and all necessary cabling.

High-Speed Data Made Easy
What makes FleetBroadband like terrestrial networks is that once turned on, the Sailor terminal finds and locks on satellite enabling all connected computers to be online simultaneously as long as they are connected to an available Ethernet port. Using standard DHCP networking, up to 255 computers or TCP-IP devices may be connected to the FB250 or FB500.

Seamless Worldwide Coverage
A tremendous benefit to using Fleet Broadband is its seamless coverage 2/3rds of the planet with two orbiting satellites. UPDATE - Full global coverage will soon be here with the successful launch and placement of the 3rd (and final) satellite. Easily move from one coverage region to another with no change in billing rates. For coverage area details click here.

Phone, Fax, SMS, ISDN
Fleet Broadband not only delivers 21st century technology for data transmission, it includes high quality voice and fax transmission, SMS text messaging and other ISDN services that you have come to expect from other maritime communications systems. Purchase several phones and plug them into any open Ethernet port for shipwide capability (Please note that only one phone may be in use at any one time). more info on Sailor IP Phone handset.

   
  The IP Phone may connect into ANY Ethernet port for full use. Purchase additional phones for shipwide use.   The back of the FB250 (or FB500)
(click for larger photo)
   
  The base of the FB250 is easily affixed to a horizontal plate with 4 included marine rated bolts.   Access the Fleet Broadband control panel from any networked computer.
(click for full view)

No Vessel Specific Paperwork
If you choose, this compact antenna can be moved from one vessel to another without problem. There is no paperwork outside of purchasing this system. The FB250 is small enough to be placed in a suitcase and used while on land.

Two Terminals Available

Both Sailor terminals from Thrane & Thrane are designed specifically for the marine environment and support high-speed data, voice, fax, ISDN and SMS services.

FB250
Offers High-Speed Internet access up to 284Kbps and Streaming IP (Committed Information Rate) up to 128Kbps. The Antenna is 27.5cm in diameter. more

FB500
Offers High-Speed Internet access up to 432Kbsp and Streaming IP up to 256Kbps. The Antenna is just over 63cm in diameter. more

Features:
High Speed Satellite Internet. Works just like terrestrial networks.
Phone, Fax, ISDN, and SMS.
Works with any vessel type... may be moved from vessel to vessel
Near worldwide coverage today with full coverage soon. Coverage Map
VPN capable or develop a custom private network with Ground Control.
Voice and Fax with unique phone numbers, used simultaneously with data transfer
Highly Configurable Firewall options - limit usage/access for ultimate security more
Streaming IP data up to 256Kbps committed information rate (FB500)
Voicemail, call hold, call waiting
Ability to set credit limits on account, turn on and off
Available for sale, shipment and installation in all countries

Fleet Broadband Product Information  
Fleet Broadband Overview  
Fleet Broadband - Leisure Use  
Sailor Equipment FB250 & FB500 Brochure  
Sailor FB250-500 Users Manual  
Sailor FB250-500 Installation Manual  
Thrane & Thrane - IP Handset Users Manual  
Thrane & Thrane - Phone Quickstart  

FLEET BROADBAND SERVICE PLANS

MONTHLY PLANS
Included Data Transfers and Phone Rates
Monthly Service Fee
In U.S. Dollars
Usage Only Plan
No Term Commitments
Charged at $13.23 per Megabyte
Voice calls charged $1.50 a minute
$99 + Usage
Medium Usage Plan
12 Month Subscription
384 Megabytes or 57.9 Phone Hours
Averages $8.58 per MB
Averages 1.13 cents per phone minute
$3,300
High Usage Plan
12 Month Subscription

1041 Megabytes or 155.3 Phone Hours
Averages $5.28 per MB
Averages .91 cent per phone minute

$5,500
* Usage Only plan is billed month to month, with no term commitments.
* Data MB usage may go over plan levels for an additional cost. Call for more information.
* Unused phone minutes or Megabytes do not rollover to the following month.
* There is no activation charge.
* Accounts renew every 12 months unless requested otherwise.
* Static IP Addresses are available.
* Please call for rates on streaming - SMS - FAX - Static IP - & irregular phone rate expenses.

BULK PLANS
Pay for what you use without monthly rollover loss.
Included Data Transfers and Phone Rates
Good for 12 months
Medium Usage Plan 4.6 Gigabytes or 695 Phone Hours
Averages $8.58 per MB
Averages 1.13 cents per phone minute
$39,600
High Usage Plan

12.5 Gigabytes or 1865 Phone Hours
Averages $5.28 per MB
Averages .91 cent per phone minute

$66,000
* No commitment terms.
* No monthly rollover loss. Use ALL minutes or Megabytes at anytime within a 12 month period.
* There is no activation charge.
* Accounts automatically renew every 12 months unless requested otherwise.
* Static IP Addresses are available.
* Please call for rates on streaming - SMS - FAX - Static IP - & Irregular phone rate expenses.

Flexible Migration
Fleet Broadband takes your vessel into the digital IP era. But if you're not quite ready to move to IP, Fleet Broadband supports the core capabilities of your existing communication systems. Operational systems can be running online, while the crew can access email the internet or make phone calls - all via a single terminal.

  Skypipe TCP-IP Optimization Option
This plug-and-play tool is made to minimize the latency issues experienced by many applications that run over the Fleetbroadband (aka BGAN) network such as VPN. Even simple web surfing will experience a tremendous benefit reducing load times from 30 seconds to under 5 seconds. This is a must have option for all heavy users. Watch Skypipe Video or Download Brochure

Advanced Security Solutions
Control your Fleet Broadband terminals in the ocean by creating a VPN or Private Network. Your terminals will operate as if they were inside of your corporate facility. Also, with the firewall options from Ground Control, you can further limit traffic usage.

Fleet Broadband is BGAN
Fleet Broadband is the Marine version of the highly successful BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) from Inmarsat. BGAN has been seen as a leader of compact and reliable mobile offices. For more information on BGAN, please click here.

Next Step - Contact Ground Control
For questions, purchase or installation, please contact Ground Control at 800-773-7168 within the U.S., or click here for International calls, or email sales@groundcontrol.com



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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