Astrium Services and Intelsat S.A. have signed a multi-year renewal agreement for C-band capacity to be used by Astrium Services’ maritime customers in the Mediterranean, Atlantic Ocean, North Sea and Gulf of Mexico.

Astrium Services will use C-band capacity on Intelsat 907 at 332.5° East to provide data connectivity and voice communication for passengers and operational purposes

The agreement will reportedly enable the new Business Communications unit of Astrium Services to continue meeting the bandwidth requirements of C-band customised VSAT users, and supports broadband and expanded capabilities in the cruise, ferry and offshore sectors. Astrium Services will use C-band capacity on Intelsat 907 at 332.5° East to provide data connectivity and voice communication for passengers and operational purposes.

Maritime customers with high bandwidth requirements will be able to continue integrating new services aboard vessels, and take advantage of technology designed to support efficient operations. Likewise, the capacity will improve passenger communication, ensuring that multiple simultaneous users can access the internet, providing a competitive advantage to cruise and ferry operators through the ability to offer vessel-wide Wi-Fi and high levels of connectivity, regardless of location.

“With Ku-band VSAT showing considerable growth over the last few years, it’s important to recognise the strong need for C-band connectivity in the specialist sectors that Astrium Services is committed to satisfying,” said Tore Morten Olsen, Head of Maritime Services at Astrium Services.

“Cruise ships and ferries require significant bandwidth to support passenger welfare and business applications, whilst offshore vessels and platforms need high levels of connectivity for critical operations and production optimisation. Securing improved C-band capacity on Intelsat 907 supports our customised VSAT users in enhancing operations and offering improved connectivity services for business, crew and passengers, even in the most challenging of environments.”

“Astrium Services has clearly established itself as a leader in delivering reliable and advanced communications services to maritime customers around the globe,” said Intelsat RVP of Europe and Middle East Sales Jean-Philippe Gillet. “With the need for VSAT connectivity growing among the important maritime segment, Astrium Services can rely on Intelsat’s industry-leading satellite fleet to meet the demanding requirements of its customers