ViaSat Ups Phase Two

ViaSat has raised the delivery of Phase two of its contract with Star Cruises, attaining an order worth more than $500,000 for additional installation on the line's latest vessel — Superstar Taurus — that was set to be in Japan during March. The network was originally to have been completed by February, but StarWire terminals were deployed on eight Star Cruises vessels by the end of 1999. The full nine-vessel network was set for a January completion.

A dominant force in the Asia-Pacific, Star Cruises is installing ship-to-shore and ship-to-ship voice, data and video communication using the StarWire system.

Phase two is a portion of the original $6 million contract between ViaSat and Star Cruises that was reported this past June.

ViaSat is accelerating its core in the maritime market with two fresh strategic alliances with Sea Tel and Satpool. The agreement with Sea Tel calls for the provision of satellite tracking antennas for StarWire maritime systems, while the clause with Satpool states the contribution of its expertise in project management, integration and testing of shipboard communication systems.

The company also showed its newest system, which utilizes VSAT, at the Seatrade Cruise Shipping show in Miami. Taking advantage of the growing demand for data in maritime communications, ViaSat reportedly provides data at a pace of 30 times faster than its competitors.

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First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.