Thrane & Thrane to introduce satellite communication system

(COPENHAGEN, DENMARK — October 3, 2007) Thrane & Thrane, a manufacturer of global satellite and radio mobile communication equipment, will soon introduce the SAILOR 500 and 250 FleetBroadband systems for communication at sea.

The communication systems were developed with the help of Inmarsat, owner of a global satellite network.

SAILOR 500 FleetBroadband is almost 7 times faster than current generation Fleet77 systems, providing marine satellite transmission speeds of up to 432 kbps with ISDN capability. It utilizes an antenna smaller than the mid-range Fleet55, with a diameter of less than 60cm, weighing just 16 kg.

SAILOR 250 FleetBroadband offers data speeds up to 284 kbps with an antenna that’s smaller than today’s Fleet33 system. With a diameter less than 30 cm and weighing in at just 5 kg this compact system is ideal for smaller commercial vessels or private yachts.

“By providing reliable broadband speeds FleetBroadband will change the way we communicate and work at sea,” comments Casper Jensen, a manager at Thrane & Thrane.

The SAILOR 500 and 250 FleetBroadband systems enable vessels to become part of an operator’s LAN with several key features not previously possible, such as simultaneous voice and data, and IP connection for e-mail and internet access. ECDIS information, online weather data, route-planning and crew calling can all be undertaken at the same time.

By Professional Mariner Staff