Many industries depend on satellite communication where wired network is not a feasible option. Especially, maritime companies are recognizing satellite broadband as the most strategic investment toward improving crew welfare and enhancing business productivity. The reason is simple VSAT networks provide global coverage for data and voice communication.

The use of satellite communication through VSAT - a Very-small-aperture terminal - on a ship at sea is Maritime VSAT. The ship at sea moves constantly with water, so the antenna has to be stabilized with reference to the horizon and True North. It is done to ensure that the antenna points constantly at the satellite it uses to transmit and receive signals. Here, maritime VSAT antenna has a major role to play in ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.

No matter what strategy a maritime company follows to reinforce its communication system, there is always widespread agreement on the need of broadband for rising communication needs. The broadband networks ensure high data speed for the industrial needs. This technology can reliably support a wide range of acute onboard applications including Voice over IP (VoIP), real-time business applications, Internet access, Virtual Private Networks, and many more.

Maritime broadband is also trusted as it increases business productivity to a greater extent. It enables crew to maintain good contact with the headquarters to share business and operational data; with vendors to receive orders; and with port authorities to speed up the entire process. ERP systems can be used to collect and send more information between shores and ship in real-time to provide insight into operations. Appending to it, the broadband facilities can aid in video surveillance and offer medical support with onshore doctors.

Another advantage of using maritime broadband network is that it significantly reduces the cost of vessel management. Since vessels spend more time on sea, it leaves less time for the port crew to repair and maintain the vessel. With broadband, the crew on ship can make use of high-speed internet connectivity to consult with experts and receive support in real time to solve a variety of mechanical and technical problems. Otherwise, these issues would require to be address during a prolonged stay in the port.

The professionals on the land can establish good communication with the crew on vessel to improve the engine performance or monitor and resolve issues rapidly. It can also extend to IT system management for remote computer access, troubleshooting and software upgrade.

Service providers can offer many options to establish a broadband network onboard a vessel, which can have different cost options, features, capabilities and performance.