AST Networks leads the way with very first Iridium Certus commercial activation

February 2019, global satellite solutions and projects company, AST Networks, is delighted to announce the first-ever commercial installation of Iridium Certus with their long-term partner Alphatron onboard Oceanwide Expeditions ‘Rembrandt Van Rijn’.

The vessel, originally built as a herring lugger in the last century, is now used for cruise expeditions in the polar regions. With up to 33 excited passengers on-board at one time, the vessel uses large amounts of data, with e-mails and photographs of local wildlife and scenery being sent home and posted on social media. During a recent upgrade of communications, Iridium Certus was, of course, the ideal choice, offering faster speeds and reliable coverage in these remote polar regions, enhancing their unique experience.

Dennis Winterswijk, Business Unit Manager ITAV & Communication at Alphatron Marine commented, ‘We are proud to be part of the world’s first commercial Certus installation with our valued customer Oceanwide Marine Services. Certus is delivered to the vessel via a Cobham 4300 terminal and provides guests onboard the possibility to share their Arctic cruise experience with friends and family. The service has been running smoothly since installation and has resulted in a full roll-out of Iridium Certus on all vessels in their fleet.’

AST Networks offers so much more than the Certus service alone, their proposition includes real-time application control (INTEGRA Control), tracking (IRIS) and access to their experienced 24/7 manned customer support team. Mark Sykes, ‘We see the great partnership between our team and our partners as a key component in the successful launch (and world’s first commercial connection) of Iridium Certus. Our partner Alphatron is a sophisticated maritime organisation who really understands the compelling value that AST Networks adds to the Certus proposition – the resulting AST Networks/Alphatron service is so much more than just airtime and a terminal, and that’s exactly what the market tells us is needed.’

This announcement shortly follows on from the first-ever commercial call which was made between Bryan Hartin, Iridium’s Executive Vice-President of Sales & Marketing & Mark Sykes on the 16th January 2019. During the call, Bryan spoke with Mark stating ‘The combination of your value-added services with our speeds is a great combination for Iridium Certus!’

To find out more about the AST Networks proposition and current Certus promotions please visit our promotions page.