Graphic highlighting maritime satellite connectivity showing a ship in the ocean with a wedge of blue beams helping it forward

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All the latest news from AST across the globe. Browse our comprehensive archive of articles by Sector or Solution to read about our latest projects, charity stories, news, products and solutions.

In case you missed out and could not attend this year, we presented our industry-leading portfolio of satellite communication services and showcased our latest partnership with [OneWeb,](https://www.theastgroup.com/solutions/one-web) which will enable us to bring fast, flexible, high-speed satellite connectivity to seafarers, like you, globally. 

We have been providing end-to-end remote communication services for nearly 30 years, delivering solutions in both maritime and land-based industries all over the world. Whether it's L-Band with Iridium Certus®, the recently launched Intelsat FlexMaritime VSAT service to our real-time application control service, INTEGRA.

11/9/2021 | 1 minute read

Seamless connectivity solutions for sustainable business operations and crew safety and welfare. 

Commercial Shipping Solutions

Digital and autonomous technologies can transform the working lives of our seafarers while also raising both safety standards and operational efficiency. 

AST provide the link between the commercial shipping and digitalisation with innovative access to real-time data to enable greater and continuous connectivity and control over satellite, GSM networks and fleet/vessel management.


Digitalisation

Due to the nature of commercial shipping, crew can be at sea for prolonged periods of time, relying on satellite connection to stay in touch with loved ones and to boost morale on board through access to entertainment. 

Onboard VSAT/L-Band/GSM services make bandwidth available for crew to access real-time entertainment (films, /social media etc.) as well as connect with family and friends on the shoreside at any time. 

Crew safety & welfare

Reliable connectivity available in real-time either onboard or from the shoreside at any point in time empowers the commercial shipping industry with immediate access to record and communicate information, data and take action to improve the vessel performance. 

AST put the maritime sector in control of their [connectivity and bandwidth](https://theastgroup-production-app-v48om.ondigitalocean.app/solutions/comms-and-bandwidth-management), from simple voice and data to corporate VSAT bandwidth connectivity solutions, AST provides vessels with a reliable and secure connection anywhere in the world through a range of maritime satellite communications solutions. 




Vessel operations

Related Insights

With over 30 years of experience, AST have learnt to adapt and innovative with the growing connectivity requirements of the commercial shipping industry. Now more than ever shipping companies are relying on satellite communications to not only connect their crew and keep them safe but track, monitor and connect their high-value assets.

AST connectivity solutions enables fleet owners to use technology to transform their operations, improve performance, reduce costs through vessel optimisation, monitor environmental parameters to decarbonize and meet sustainability goals, and provide bandwidth management solutions across all channels to ensure crew productivity and wellbeing.

We offer satellite communications services for commercial shipping. We provide the latest in satellite communications technology to ensure that your vessels are always connected.

Satellite communications service for commercial shipping

Commercial Shipping

Feel connected and safe wherever the catch takes you. Remain compliant with regulations and stay ahead of the game with real-time access to data.

Commercial Fishing Solutions

Commercial fishing is one of the riskiest jobs in the world. Boats can be out at sea for weeks or months, with those on board often exposed to difficult and challenging conditions.

To ensure round-the-clock safety for all on board, reliable connectivity is crucial for fishing vessel owners, skippers and crew to gather information on weather conditions at sea.

AST offers unparalleled safety for fishing vessels with [pole-to-pole](/sectors/polar) coverage via [Iridium Certus®](/en/services/iridium-certus) to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). 

A worldwide system for automated emergency signal communication for ships at sea developed by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) as part of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, it allows you to send emergency and distress messages, enable vessel-to-vessel routine communications and vessel-to-shore routine communications.

Regardless of a vessel’s location at sea, with AST’s global coverage, vessels can rely on a connection to enable operational communication with shoreside, other vessels and access to data. 

Our unique connectivity solutions with VSAT also allow crews to surf the web, [communicate with loved ones](/solutions/crew-welfare) and enjoy entertainment during downtime. 

Remain in control of bandwidth with market leading bandwidth management service INTEGRA Control that frees up bandwidth for operational and critical communications when you need it. 


Resilient connectivity for on-board communications

Stay ahead of your [sustainability goals](https://theastgroup.com/case-studies/fishery-asset-monitoring-from-ast) and comply with fishing regulations with AST’s complete marine and maritime satellite communications services. Using cellular, GSM, satellite, or a combination, we enable continual monitoring and reporting for fisheries across the globe. 

Optimise operational costs and ensure safe and reliable vessel operations, including equipment and compliance with all applicable regulations via Planned Maintenance Systems (PMS), which offers preventative maintenance of your vessel and ensures engines are monitored and efficient with real-time data access. 




Operations & vessel monitoring

Whatever the size of your commercial fishing fleet, our range of global connectivity services will empower you with the technology to optimise productivity and [safety at sea](/solutions/maritime-safety). 

We're a global, end-to-end provider of satellite communications services for the commercial fishing industry.

Satellite communications services for the commercial fishing industry

Commercial Fishing 

Keep offshore crews safe with dependable communications while achieving enhanced operational efficiency. 

Offshore Energy Solutions

Offshore Energy companies need custom satellite communications solutions that meet the highest levels of network reliability and security for day-to-day business communications and operations. 

AST tailor make [satellite communications solutions](/solutions/bespoke-solutions) to fit as operations expand in scope and duration. You can learn more about how we have helped the world's largest oil and gas companies achieve their goals through our [case studies](/case-studies?sector=5), such as the one below.



Operational efficiency

For crew, being able to contact their loved ones back home and accessing a few home comforts plays a vital role in their wellbeing. Our range of handheld and broadband terminals allow oil rig owners the opportunity to [improve crew welfare](/solutions/crew-welfare) and quality of life by allowing crew to make calls, watch television (TVRO), access the internet and send texts and emails, from any location and in any weather. 

As a responsible partner we are also mindful that bandwidth is managed efficiently. Our [INTEGRA](/solutions/comms-and-bandwidth-management) service gives you the insight to prioritise critical communications and make key bandwidth management decisions backed by automated insights and data. 

Crew welfare

AST tailor make satellite communication-based IoT solutions that provides global asset management and automates machinery. Thanks to our [iRAMS telematics solutions](https://www.theastgroup.com/solutions/maritime-i-o-t-and-asset-management), those managing offshore industry assets can utilise our remote control, fault monitoring and intelligence alerts – allowing preventative maintenance measures and reducing potential downtime.    

Remote asset management

As [OneWeb’s](/solutions/one-web) most experienced maritime partner, AST can provide the industrial grade connections at high-speed and low latency for offshore energy operations. 

The high-performance connectivity allows the implementation of new use cases relying on artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR) to revolutionise traditional offshore working practices, enhance processes and improve worker safety. 

Supporting new use cases offshore

From FPSOs and OSVs to rigs in shall and deep waters, AST’s range of communication and connectivity solutions are ideally suited for offshore operators looking for enhancing operational resilience, improving [crew welfare](/solutions/crew-welfare) and optimising production at lower costs in a highly complex industry.

We provide a range of satellite communications services for offshore vessels and oil and gas platforms. We offer solutions for voice, data, internet, video, tracking and monitoring. We have been in the maritime industry for over 30 years, and we know what it takes to get the job done.

Satellite communications services for offshore vessels and oil and gas

Offshore Energy

Operate safely and efficiently anywhere in the world. Monitor and maintain your workboat and optimise vessel performance with ease using automated reporting.

Workboats Solutions

VSAT connectivity and on-board broadband services provide the connection for critical and operations comms as well as [crew connectivity](https://theastgroup-production-app-v48om.ondigitalocean.app/solutions/crew-welfare). Our unique solutions also allow crews to surf the web, catch up with family and friends and enjoy entertainment during downtime. 

Resilient connectivity for shoreside-to-vessel communications

Remote vessel monitoring technologies have advanced and improved over the years with added functionality such as engine and sensor monitoring telemetry to always available VSAT satellite broadband communications. 

AST's onboard hardware connects to the vessel's most expensive component (the engines) and transmits the data in near real-time to a simple shoreside user web interface. This interface then allows shore-based operations staff instant, clear visibility of the not just the vessels location but also its engine data.


Vessel monitoring

iRAMS Vessels is a ground-breaking proven vessel engine and asset tracking and management system that provides the ability to feed vessel information data automatically into preventative maintenance schedules. 

iRAMS Vessels integrates seamlessly with our Planned Maintenance System (PMS) so that you can plan, monitor, record and implement complex maintenance tasks, including compliance reporting and innovative predictive maintenance monitoring.


Vessel maintenance

Operators of coastal and offshore workboat vessels often work in rough seas and harsh environments and require highly reliable and effective equipment and technology in these unique environments. 

AST helps workboat vessels plan, administer and [monitor vessel maintenance and servicing tasks](https://www.theastgroup.com/solutions/maritime-i-o-t-and-asset-management) in near real-time with automated reporting. We have [tailored solutions](/solutions/bespoke-solutions) specifically for the workboat sector so that companies have peace of mind, knowing that their vessels and crew are operating safely and efficiently.


Workboats

We provide satellite communications services and hardware for workboats operating in remote regions, as well as for the offshore oil and gas industry.

Satellite communications services and hardware for workboats

1 minute read. At AST, we enjoyed reconnecting with so many customers, partners, industry experts and new faces at Europort 2021. 

The future of Connectivity at Sea - Europort 2021

Low-Latency, high-speed and FREE connectivity. 

Try Maritime connectivity from OneWeb for 30 days FREE with no commitment*. For limited period only, maritime users in Europe, the Mediterranean and 50 degrees north, can sign up to our OneWeb Maritime service and get two months airtime and hardware at no cost.*

![OneWeb Try Before You Buy Offer.jpg](https://theastgroup-production.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/6f5189c787ec6b9e83172677980b4a17.jpg)

'Try before you buy' OneWeb Maritime Service

Powered by OneWeb’s constellation of 648 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and backed up by AST’s 30 years of experience in remote communication solutions – our partnership is based on the shared belief that remote, faultless connectivity is essential to delivering operational excellence.

- High speed – always
- Low latency
- Affordability

#### [Contact us for more details](https://www.theastgroup.com/contact/?utm_source=onewebpage)

Bringing you the future of remote connectivity

OneWeb is building an unparalleled end-to-end system that will supply broadband-style data speeds to every part of the world. Our network is in its final phase of deployment to meet this truly global IT challenge.

Improving remote connectivity

By working together, AST and OneWeb will provide fast, flexible, next-generation connectivity solutions. With global coverage, users will be able to access seamless connectivity in even the most remote locations on land and at sea.


- Land connectivity 50°N as of Q4 2022
- Land connectivity 25°N and S as of Q3 2023
- Maritime connectivity 50°N by Q1 2023
- Maritime connectivity 25°N and S by Q3 2023
- Global coverage by the end of 2023


OneWeb and AST

AST is an independent provider of remote communication services with 30 years’ experience in delivering solutions to both maritime and land-based sectors.  

Our experienced team of connectivity experts, network specialists and installation engineers are [located all around the world in our offices](https://theastgroup-production-app-v48om.ondigitalocean.app/locations) in the UK, Europe, Americas, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.  We are a part of the future of connectivity.

By working together with OneWeb, we will provide fast, flexible, next-generation connectivity solutions. With global coverage, users will be able to access seamless connectivity in even the most remote locations on land and at sea.

The AST advantage

OneWeb’s innovative LEO (Low Earth Orbit) constellation provides ground-breaking high-speed connectivity partnering together with AST’s experience and knowledge. The satellite constellation is a planned initial 648-satellite constellation.

Oneweb’s satellites, orbiting at only 1200km, are 30 times closer to earth than geo satellites and 8 times closer than MEO satellites. This low altitude provides unrivalled 100ms low-latency connectivity, allowing vessels, passengers, and crew to access the same tools and experiences as on land.

#### [Contact us for more details](https://www.theastgroup.com/contact/?utm_source=onewebpage)

How OneWeb Works

By providing high-speed, low-latency connectivity, OneWeb’s digital solutions will improve communities and economies everywhere. Unlike other satellite networks, OneWeb's satellites provides 4G-like connectivity and terrestrial high-speed services.

With global coverage, users will be able to access seamless connectivity in even the most remote locations on land and at sea.

OneWeb key benefits are:

- Simple to use
- Flexible to our customers’ needs
- Responsible on earth and in space
- Engineered to deliver high speeds and low latency always

![OneWeb satellite LEO banner showing the distance of satellite orbit](https://theastgroup-production.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/f1481c3dda80e6c2f45bbce363dc24eb.jpg)

Unrivalled low-latency opens up new possibilities

Fast, secure and reliable global connectivity from the user terminal to OneWeb's satellites, to ground station – built with trusted partners across the globe.

How OneWeb’s system works

Our high-speed connectivity solutions are enabling land operations to undergo a digital transformation. Our global accessible network helps cut through existing hurdles to optimising corporate operations at lower costs, whether it’s large data transfer during an exploration phase or real-time data transfer and exchange, supporting fast decision making to customers on land.

#### [Contact us for more details](https://www.theastgroup.com/contact/?utm_source=onewebpage)


OneWeb for Land

With widespread digitalisation for monitoring and managing distant operations, AST and OneWeb high-throughout high-speed satellite services provide a dependable solution where high-speed connectivity cannot easily reach in an increasingly complex and dynamic sector.

Energy

AST and OneWeb’s satellite solutions provide high throughput, low latency solutions that improve access to real-time performance data by providing both the mining and resource industry with fast, flexible and secure connectivity as a standardised service. 

Mining

Our reliable high-speed connectivity everywhere offers vital and effective delivery of aid where communications are poor or non-existent due to conflict or natural disaster.

Designed to meet the challenges of the present, our critical security facilities safeguard workers safety while operating in distant and dangerous locations around the world, including reliable low-latency communications.

NGO's & Environmental

With over 30 years of extensive experience working in the government and security sectors. Reliable, flexible, and scalable connectivity is critical for all government applications, regardless of location.

Our solutions can support a wide range of task sets, from intelligence gathering and direct action to humanitarian aid/disaster relief (HADR) and search and rescue (SAR).

Government & Security

As OneWeb’s first and most experienced satellite maritime partner, AST will offer maritime customers access to OneWeb’s fast, flexible and affordable connectivity solutions seamlessly in even the most remote locations at sea. OneWeb’s new satellite constellation and next-generation connectivity aligned with AST’s INTEGRA network services will enable faster and better communications for the maritime industry. 

The open ocean is a tough work environment, presenting challenges to communications that are vital to those that work in the maritime industry. We understand that it is essential for maritime vessels and personnel to stay in touch at all times. Never before has the industry been under such intense pressure to become more competitive, reduce emissions, cut costs, and prevent cybercrime. However, with these challenges comes a greater opportunity to define a new industry outlook. 

In response to these challenges, AST and OneWeb’s solutions provide high throughput, low latency solutions that improve access to real-time performance data by providing users with fast, flexible, secure connectivity as a standardised service. 

#### [Contact us for more details](https://www.theastgroup.com/contact/?utm_source=onewebpage)

![OneWeb Difference.jpg](https://theastgroup-production.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/a7fef3f589942d3f37cd793a47a333a0.jpg)

OneWeb for Maritime

For the commercial maritime industry, OneWeb’s high-speed connectivity enables ships to function as highly efficient offices. Maritime workers can stay connected 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with OneWeb and AST’s wide product and solution portfolio. Our dependable global service is also the first in the Arctic with exceptional capacity. 

Merchant Shipping

From FPSOs and OSVs to rigs in shallow and deep waters, OneWeb’s satellite communications and AST’s complimentary products and services are ideally suited for offshore operators looking for greater operational resilience and maximizing production at lower costs in a highly complex industry.  

Fishing fleet owners will always looking for ways to improve operational efficiency and safety by accessing weather information and being able to privately contact other vessels in their fleet.  

OneWeb and AST’s high-speed connectivity solutions will provide superior connectivity to both fishing fleets and individual vessels, which is currently only available to larger vessels.

Commercial Fishing

Owners and passengers digital expectations require that they stay connected 24/7 to make calls, watch Netflix, access the internet, and send texts and emails from any location and in any weather.  

OneWeb and AST’s global satellite communications service for the leisure sector offers high-speed and high-quality connectivity.



Yachts & Leisure Boats

As more people move their offices onboard and enjoy greater flexibility with seasonal sailing to explore different routes, reliable and secure high-speed internet has become an important selling point.  

OneWeb and AST can provide owners with the benefit of plans on demand, connectivity options based on usage, and the ability to eliminate fixed and unexpected costs. 

Super Yachts

## What is the AST & OneWeb partnership?

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) broadband satellite communications company OneWeb, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The AST Group (AST) in early 2021.

AST and OneWeb will offer fixed-land and maritime customers access to OneWeb’s fast, flexible and affordable connectivity solutions seamlessly in even the most remote locations on land and at sea.

AST are OneWeb’s first and most experienced maritime connectivity partner. We share the belief that connectivity at sea should be as seamless and simple as it is onshore.

OneWeb’s new satellite constellation and next-generation connectivity aligned with AST’s INTEGRA network services will enable faster and better communications for the maritime industry.

## Who is OneWeb?

OneWeb is a global communications network powered by a constellation of 650 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.

Headquartered in London, OneWeb enables high-speed, low latency connectivity for governments, businesses, and communities everywhere around the world. OneWeb’s satellites, network of gateway stations, and range of User Terminals, provide affordable, fast, high bandwidth, low-latency communication services connected to the IOT future, and a pathway to 5G for everyone, everywhere.

## What is the LEO constellation and its benefits?

Orbiting at only 1200km, OneWeb’s satellites are 30 times closer to Earth than GEO satellites and 8 times closer than those of MEO operators. This low altitude means unmatchable <100ms low-latency connectivity to offer vessels, passengers and crew the same tools and experiences as on land.

## What is OneWeb’s coverage?

**Consistent pole to pole coverage** - OneWeb’s truly global services will ensure seamless connectivity wherever a vessel operates. With no borders or barriers and a simple interface, OneWeb will enable the adoption of new, more efficient solutions – even above 60⁰ degrees latitude.

## What is OneWeb’s Spectrum?

Under the International Telecommunications Union regulations requirements, OneWeb has met priority rights to operate the Ku- and Ka-band spectrum. This brings over 6 GHz of the spectrum into use.

## What is OneWeb’s Ground network?

OneWeb’s ground network will be equipped to extend existing coverage in all northern latitudes, including the UK, Northern Europe, Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, and Arctic seas, to global coverage.

## How does OneWeb’s security work?

OneWeb aligns with internationally recognised standards in security and applicable compliance and regulatory fields. To identify and manage cybersecurity risks, OneWeb’s core security team uses a number of monitoring and protection tools to ensure the technical security of our services on a day-to-day basis.

## What is OneWeb’s network capacity for Maritime connectivity?

With a usable network capacity of over 1.1Tbps, OneWeb’s high-throughput high-speed global network will transform maritime capabilities, solving complex and dynamic needs across maritime sectors.

## How do you become a OneWeb partner?

As OneWeb’s official satellite partner, we are establishing unrivalled next generation solutions delivering high-speed and low latency connectivity whether it’s for shipping fleets, offshore operations, or land operations. Contact us using the button below to enquire about becoming a partner.


Frequently Asked Questions

![Circles-V3.png](https://theastgroup-production.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/da59e417e732a730e183f838dfb5dfc2.png?updated_at=2023-05-05T15:32:39.793Z)
![Circles-V4.png](https://theastgroup-production.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/1d15ad17d03e5698895dd6928ad766f2.png)

**Land Coverage Q4 2022**

- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- North Sea
- Northern Europe (from 50°N)
- Greenland
- Iceland 


If you’re a commercial business looking for satellite connectivity [contact us for more details](https://www.theastgroup.com/contact/?utm_source=onewebpage)

OneWeb's Coverage

Thank you for downloading the OneWeb brochure!

Download the OneWeb brochure here

As OneWeb LEO Connectivity becomes available for maritime and offshore customers, watch our myth-busting on-demand webinar with experts from AST and OneWeb.

Discover high-speed, low-latency LEO connectivity that can truly enable digitalisation and deliver the long-awaited leap forward in operational efficiencies.

![AST and OneWeb LEO Connectivitiy Myth Busters Webinar banner](https://theastgroup-production.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/b5973ff54769c8bd84229ba0f3d1bebd.jpg)

On Demand | Watch LEO connectivity mythbuster webinar now!

Use Case Downloads

AST has considerable expertise working with a variety of land and maritime sectors around the world, including merchant shipping and offshore, energy, government, Environmental and Research and NGO & humanitarian.

With over three decades of experience offering worldwide satellite communication services across land and maritime, you can be confident that your business will be provided with a secure tailored solution. As OneWeb’s official partner, we can offer customers unrivalled super-fast connectivity, whether it’s on land or at sea.

OneWeb is building an unparalleled end-to-end satellite system that will supply high-speed data speeds to every part of the world by 2022. 

AST and OneWeb believe that connectivity at sea should be as seamless and simple as it is onshore. OneWeb, when aligned with AST’s INTEGRA suite of services, will enable faster and better communications for the maritime industry.

The future of Connectivity at Sea - Europort 2021

11/9/2021 | 1 minute read

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