Intelsat to provide more capacity for Marlink network
The cruise sector’s recovery, greater demand for communications in waters to the high north and south, and a steady increase in vessel connectivity, have prompted Marlink and Intelsat to extend their partnership. The satellite service company will provide Marlink with more Ku- and C-band capacity.
Intelsat will now supply more coverage in polar regions where expedition cruises are driving up demand, both for high-demand passengers, and for vessel operation connectivity more generally. The new arrangement will also improve coverage in sea regions around Africa and the Middle East.
Commenting on the new deal, Marlink president, Maritime, Tore Morten Olsen, said: “Making digitalisation a reality for cruise operators requires a hybrid, ‘network of networks’ approach that combines flexible satellite capacity to provide a bespoke solution for each client. This agreement reflects Marlink’s ambition to meet user needs regardless of niche requirements in terms of connectivity, coverage and digital solutions required.”
The two companies are well-established partners. Intelsat has supplied Ku-band geostationary capacity for Marlink’s hybrid VSAT network for two decades.
