Intellian and SK Telink to launch 45cm service over Intelsat FlexMaritime

Intellian and SK Telink to launch 45cm service over Intelsat FlexMaritime © Intellian

Intellian Technologies Inc., a global provider of resilient multi-constellation, feature-rich satellite user terminals and communications solutions, and SK Telink, a 100% subsidiary of SK Telecom and a dominant mobile network operator in South Korea, together have announced a new agreement for the supply of Intellian's v45C terminal for use over Intelsat's FlexMaritime service.

By combining Intellian's compact, high-performance v45C antenna with Intelsat FlexMaritime global, multi-layered high-throughput satellite (HTS) service, SK Telink is the first to deliver this connectivity to Asia Pacific customers, in the smallest form-factor available to date.

SK Telink's FlexMaritime and v45C plan will change the connectivity landscape for thousands of smaller fishing vessels across the region. It will provide VSAT services to those that couldn't avail of onboard connectivity and had to rely solely on LTE (long-term evolution) when close to shore.

Until now, service providers have required antennas of 60cm or larger to deliver high throughput services owing to the higher power demanded by smaller units. However, with the advent of HTS technology and innovative antenna design, the use of more compact antennas has become possible. Intellian's v45C has been developed to bring VSAT to new markets where there is limited space available for communications equipment to be installed, such as workboats, leisure craft, fishing boats, small commercial and government vessels.

Shin-yong Lee, SVP of Satellite Business at SK Telink, said: "We're pleased to launch our new 'Compact VSAT' service, enabling smaller vessels to expand their connectivity beyond land mobile network coverage and enjoy digital life such as internet, games, social media and video calls with high-quality satellite communication services. We are continuously developing new satellite markets in the Asia Pacific region, by rapidly introducing satellite services that customers need."

"Our 45cm service on FlexMaritime is a unique offering in the maritime market," said Intelsat Director of Maritime Products Mike McNally. "Now, smaller fishing vessels can easily and affordably access the same great connectivity as their larger counterparts. Partnering with SK Telink and Intellian, users will experience unmatched performance, reliability and coverage wherever they go, enabling even more vessels around the world to take advantage of the high-throughput capabilities of Intelsat's global network. Access to connectivity will enable critical applications such as worker safety, general crew welfare, real-time fish processing, weather and oceanographic data, crew communication and more."

James Jang, VP of Global Sales at Intellian: "We've seen in other regions how the combination of our v45C and Intelsat's innovative FlexMaritime services have delivered cost-effective VSAT service to customers in need of a compact, global high speed connectivity solution. SK Telink is once again leading the way, delivering the best of connectivity solutions for their customers across the APAC region and we're excited to be part of this transformation. Having reliable connectivity on board changes the lives and livelihoods of those in the fishing industry. We're honoured to partner with SK Telink, and together empower connectivity for crew welfare and business operations so those on board can experience VSAT for the first time."