Connexion by Boeing, a business unit of the Boeing Company, announced recently an expansion of its service offering to include high-speed satellite broadband capability for the maritime industry. The potential demand at sea for high speed Internet services is huge and results from a combination of data intensive applications and the need to keep isolated sailors in touch with the world. A real-time data communication and a live, high-quality video teleconferencing have already been successfully tested.

The Connexion by Boeing maritime solution is expected to be approximately ten times faster than most commonly deployed communications systems available today, and significantly less expensive to use. Applying the broadband capability of Connexion by Boeing to the maritime communications industry is a natural complement to its commercial airline service. The maritime solution leverages the existing satellite and ground-based network Connexion by Boeing has established and will bring the same capabilities for robust, high-speed connectivity to the maritime industry. Existing networks will provide coverage in the North Atlantic and a solution for Pacific Ocean coverage will be announced in the very near future.

Vessel operators and their passengers can use Connexion by Boeing to access the Internet and firewall-protected corporate intranets, send outgoing emails or open large attachments from incoming emails; get the news, weather or destination information, or view satellite television programs. The service will also enhance ship-to-shore communications for ship captains and crew providing new opportunities for long-distance learning, improve crew morale, remote monitoring of ships' systems and cargo, improved maintenance, and to make better routing decisions. All of these capabilities are expected to significantly improve the efficiency and safety of operations at sea.