Globecomm Maritime, one of the leading providers of global connectivity services, is bringing increased efficiency and flexibility to the maritime communications market with the launch of metered VSAT plans.

The plans include a range of data bundles, two Voice over IP (VoIP) lines, a Nimbus Smartbox and the option for Over-The-Top (OTT) provisioning of additional services. In addition to a typical 5GB core bundle for the ship’s main business, the crew can access a separate bundle over a dedicated LAN or use the VSAT service on a pay as you go basis.

Because the data that each user group consumes is visible separately, management can keep costs and accounting separate for these groups and identify costs for additional services with split billing and exact allocation.

President of Globecomm Maritime, Malcolm McMaster

President of Globecomm Maritime, Malcolm McMaster, said:

“We recognize that shipping companies often have different departments with separate budgets using the same communication system. Our new service plans give customers the ability to separate their costs and have visibility of how their communications expenses are split up. The reaction to this service from our customers has been very positive as they recognise the benefits it will bring.”

VOIP services are also provided OTT as standard with separate bandwidth for two simultaneous voice calls, so the bandwidth used for voice calling is not counted against the ship’s core bundle. A further OTT LAN could be established to provide automated M2M devices and services such as ECDIS updates or engine performance monitoring.

If users find they need additional bandwidth this can quickly be added to any chosen networks because the service leverages Globecomm’s fully-managed global VSAT network, based on iDirect Evolution hub modem technology.

“The Globecomm VSAT network was designed from the ground up with the flexibility to create and deliver a multitude of service plans. This approach to billing means we can move away from the concept of ‘all you can eat’ and get much closer to providing exactly what customers need, in a way that is most responsive to their changing needs,” McMaster added.

Globecomm’s metered plans include the Nimbus Smartbox service, with entry plans starting at 5GB for $595 per month giving access to the global coverage area. Users subscribing to these plans will be able to burst data up to 3Mbps of bandwidth as a download speed.

Source: Globecomm