Before Its Gone expedition all female team of scientists

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Key Facts

•	The team will be provided with Iridium satellite handsets and bespoke airtime plan so they can stay in touch with each other, monitor the weather and contact home base throughout the mission. This will be an essential tool for navigation and help ensure their safety in the event of an emergency.

•	The expedition will be completed in just 10 days in April 2023. 

•	The team are searching for samples that contain evidence of black carbon and microplastics, which are both key markers of the impact humans are having on the world's most remote and inhospitable locations.


Applied Satellite Technology Ltd (AST) is delighted to sponsor the [Before Its Gone](https://www.bignorthpole.com/) (BIG) North Pole Expedition, a sea ice research expedition to the top of the world in April 2023. An all-female team of scientists will ski approximately 110km to collect samples and vital data on how climate change is affecting the Arctic – before it's too late. The team will communicate and send updates back to base using satellite communication handsets and airtime provided by AST.
 
**<u>Worldwide connectivity
</u>**

AST is proud to help combat climate change by sponsoring this expedition to collect data and samples.  The journey will be made by ski across constantly moving sea ice that makes navigation difficult and treacherous. The team may have to traverse bands of ice rubble or avoid cracks in the ice that reveal open water.  
 
AST are providing the team with crucial equipment for the expedition to receive information on the weather as well as any safety messages for the team. The equipment consist of Iridium satellite handsets and an airtime plan in order for the expedition be able make calls and send/receive texts from their hardware, as well as giving access to advanced data capabilities through optimised apps.
 
The team will travel by ski, pulling sledges containing all the food, fuel and equipment they need. While in the past, satellite communications would have required heavy, bulky appliances, this is no longer the case. AST’s handsets provided for the expedition are light, compact and reliable. AST are delighted to offer this technology to the team to assist them on their journey.
 
**<u>Understanding climate change better
</u>**

The team will be searching for black carbon and microplastics, both vital markers of humans' impact on the planet. Their aim is to understand the Arctic environment better before it is no longer possible to travel there by foot.
 
If you would like to see live expedition updates made possible by AST technology, please visit the [expedition tracker](https://www.bignorthpole.com/track-expedition).
 
Leading the expedition is Felicity Aston MBE, a polar explorer and scientist. In 2012, Felicity became the first woman to ski across Antarctica alone. 
 
Felicity said, "One of the biggest advantages modern day explorers have over the explorers of the past is satellites for communication and navigation. Today we can stay in communication with the world while at the very ends of the Earth. Satellite communications are our lifeline while skiing across some of the remotest and most inaccessible parts of the planet, so we need to know we have the best and most reliable technology - this is where the support of AST group is so vital. They have unrivalled experience in the industry, meaning we can trust their advice completely and have complete peace of mind in the knowledge that they will be there ready to support whatever the unexpected throws at us. 
 
"The support of AST group in providing hardware and airtime also means that we will be able to share our experiences with those following our journey virtually. As opportunities to access the North Pole become ever fewer thanks to rapid and fundamental environmental change, sharing what we experience with immediacy becomes increasingly important."
 
Francisco Rosas, Global Senior Marketing Manager  at AST added, "We are proud to be supporting the Before Its Gone expedition. We understand the pressing importance of the scientific work being undertaken by the group and the need to highlight this to the world. By providing reliable satellite hardware and connectivity, we hope to not only provide the expedition with a means of reliable communication to keep them safe but also provide them with the opportunity to allow others to follow their journey and amplify the fantastic work they are doing."
 
Find out more - [Before Its Gone](https://www.bignorthpole.com/)


10/2/23 | 3 minute read

Polar

3 minute read. AST is a key sponsor of the Before Its Gone expedition to the North Pole. An all-female team of scientists will ski 110km across sea ice to collect vital data and samples to better understand climate change.

AST sponsors all-female team of climate scientists attempting 110km ski expedition to the North Pole

Remote & Lone Workers

Blog-Banner-v4.jpg

## Hello Andrew. Could you start by explaining how AST was founded? 

![Gregory Darling shaking hand of Andrew Peters with AST logo in background](https://theastgroup-production.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/f0b33786bc35238d95335c14284d8511.jpg)
_Gregory Darling Founder and Chairman and Andrew Peters Managing Director_

Last year was a big year for AST, after celebrating 30 years in business. 

Back in 1992, and the world was a very different place. This was the time of CD Walkmans, the first IBM Thinkpad laptops and the very first digital mobile phones! Satellite communications were relatively new, unknown and challenging to use. But Gregory Darling, our founder, identified an opportunity.  

Gregory's late father, George, owned Great Yarmouth-based Gardline Group, a company specialising in marine geographical surveys. This is where Gregory started his career, eventually becoming group chairman. His early experience with the family business exposed him to some of the maritime industry's challenges.  

Gregory was exploring what else was happening in the marketplace. He saw that satellite technology was starting to make its way up to the top of the agenda. It was already being used by some of the vessels Gardline owned – Gregory saw an opportunity to deliver global satellite services and solutions into the land and maritime sectors. 

Although the maritime market might seem relatively forward in its use of satellite technology, it was a conservative business 30 years ago. The primary driver for satellite communications was simply to ensure the shore-based operating staff knew the location of their vessels. 

## How did the business develop in those early years? 
 
When we started, AST was primarily a partner for satellite companies such as Inmarsat and Iridium. We developed the technical expertise to implement their systems for distributors. That has continued over the years, and we remain a trusted intermediary for these firms.  
  
AST has branched in many directions over the years. The key to Gregory's vision and understanding is that no matter how far away anything is, you will always be able to communicate. That's why communication services have always been the platform at the core of our business. 

The business made strategic acquisitions in markets beyond its maritime roots. For example, Applied Telematics, a specialist provider of advanced satellite telematics and remote monitoring solutions for fixed and mobile assets in the disaster recovery, maritime and land sectors.  

## Software is now a core part of AST's business. Could you speak about that? 

We’re starting to become a more software-led, managed services business. That means if you were a maritime or land-based business and wanted to manage your geographically dispersed assets more effectively, we could do almost anything!  

We have long recognised the importance of investment in developing our own software to monitor customers' assets once installed. This allows us to offer our clients various software solutions, including engine management, fuel monitoring and environmental services. And in addition to telemetry, we recognise that our customers also want other added-value data-based services. So we are developing a single integrated platform to enhance their operations and help with improved efficiency, leading to cost savings in such areas as crew welfare and energy usage.  

This focused time with existing and new customers helps us ensure that we respond to their requirements and aspirations rather than making assumptions on their behalf. This will help us open up significant opportunities in the land and maritime markets. Such conversations are essential to our future.   

At some point, we anticipate that many businesses will likely look to bring their whole hardware and airtime package to us. Consolidating their supply chain will allow them to work with just one provider for a full service, saving the cost and time implications of managing separate relationships. Our software capability means we will be ready for them.  

## So what does the business look like today?

I joined the company in November 2021. I was delighted to join a team of more than 180 employees worldwide, generating annual revenues above £60 million. Our offices in Norwich, Continental Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, Ecuador and the USA are staffed by a remarkable group of individuals I am proud to call my colleagues.  

Our company structure gives each of our teams a clear identity. AST Asia Pacific, AST Americas, AST EMEA and AST Global Emerging Business are each supported by the company-wide functions of sales, marketing, HR, operations, software services and technology.   

## Could you talk about why the culture of AST is important to you? 


![Sally Thacker, AST apprentice, photographed receiving DevelopHer major technology award](https://theastgroup-production.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/e4aa09a43cf205e72772562034cd31a1.jpg)
_Sally Thacker – winner of DevelopHer Apprenticeship Award_

We were founded with a start-up mentality, but 30 years is a long time in business. We have matured as we have become an established business.  

The common thread is that we continue to believe in getting people to feel empowered by their actions and responsibility. You can only do that by giving them a platform and allowing them to input into the future before setting the course. We're committed to having an open and inclusive company culture. Our collectively agreed common business goals are the same for everyone in our business, from apprentices fresh out of education to senior executives with many decades of experience in the industry.  

Our new structure and company objectives were agreed upon in 2022 and will help guide us into whatever the next 30 years have in store.  

## Finally, what are AST's ambitions for the future? 
 
AST has the foundations laid already to be even more successful. We continue to recruit talented people to support our growth strategy in many areas of our business, including software technology, customer support and sales. We want to take this business to the next level - but for now, I hope you'll join me in raising a toast to everything AST has achieved in 30 groundbreaking years.

19/1/2023 | 5 minute read

5 minute read. To celebrate our 30th anniversary, we talked to Andrew Peters, group managing director of AST. He spoke about how AST was founded, our progress over the years, and what the future might hold. 


Andrew Peters CEO of AST

30 years of connecting people worldwide

Maritime Connectivity

Land Connectivity

30 years of connecting people worldwide 

Black and white photo of Will Croxford sailor 

## Key facts

- As a global provider of intelligent remote communications services, AST are providing safety support with a two-year airtime package for an [Iridium Global](https://www.theastgroup.com/en/services/i-1) [Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)](https://www.theastgroup.com/solutions/maritime-safety), as well as [onsatmail](https://www.theastgroup.com/solutions/comms-and-bandwidth-management) to allow Will to communicate with friends and family from anywhere in the world during his voyage. 

- The objective of the attempt is to become the first person to complete a solo non-stop sail without using any fossil fuels or carrying them onboard as backups. The boat will be carbon neutral or negative. 

- All electronics on board will run on power that has been gathered from either solar panels or hydrogenation technology attached to the boat. Products used on the boat will be recyclable or repurposable, and non-harmful to the environment.   

- Applied Satellite Technology Ltd (AST) is proud to sponsor a world-first attempt to circumnavigate the globe with no fossil fuels used or carried onboard. In 2023, Will Croxford will embark on his voyage accompanied by maritime safety support and a communications system powered by AST airtime, enabling Will to stay connected at all times.  

## Cutting-edge technology at sea

As one of the world's leading providers of satellite communications technology, AST will ensure Will remains safe and connected throughout his voyage.  

AST are sponsoring Will by supplying an airtime package for his on-board Iridium Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) during the attempt. The system is designed to prevent accidents, and quickly alert rescue authorities and nearby vessels in the event of an emergency. Iridium GMDSS is the only truly global service on the market with 100% coverage, ensuring any distress calls will be received and responded to, anywhere in the world.  

In addition, AST will provide a monthly subscription to onsatmail, allowing Will to also stay in contact with friends and family. He'll be able to send updates home to reassure his loved ones and receive news and messages that keep him going. The service uses a specialised data transfer protocol designed for the low bandwidth, high latency connections frequently found in satellite data connections.  


## An environmental milestone

Setting a new world record for the first circumnavigation of the planet without any fossil fuels carried or used on board sets a new marker for what is possible at sea.  

Will was inspired to make his attempt as part of the Global Solo Challenge because of his passion for renewable energy and the environment. Although there have been successful solo navigations using electric engines, they have carried backup generators and gas for cooking. 

Will said  
>"My priority is to ensure my boat is fully compatible and equipped for me to achieve my personal challenge of an entirely fossil-fuel free journey and she is soon to be ready. I am partnering with great companies such as AST to ensure I have the latest safety equipment and communications on board. I will also be undertaking a number of solo experiences and aim to get myself in peak condition fitness-wise, as well as downloading as many audio books as my iPad will allow!"


Francisco Rosas, AST Global Senior Marketing Manager, said: 
 
>"There is no limit to what technology can make possible. Will Croxford's groundbreaking solo navigation attempt will prove this impressive feat is possible without the use of fossil fuels. At AST, we are proud to be powering Will's voyage with airtime for cutting-edge safety and communications solutions and wish him the very best of luck."

12/1/2023 |  4 minute read

Yachts & Leisure Boats

 AST is proud to sponsor Will Croxford's groundbreaking attempt to sail solo around the world with no fossil fuels used or carried onboard. 

Solo circumnavigation attempt by Will Croxford

AST is helping to power a groundbreaking solo circumnavigation attempt 

c6aee08e8f8b89291ce9cc10b59d31a8.jpg

Founded in 1992, AST specialises in land and maritime satellite communications services, which provide essential technology, communications and software solutions for customers to enable operational efficiencies. The company also has offices in Norwich, Southampton, continental Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, Ecuador and the USA – employing approximately 180 people worldwide.  

With plans to increase headcount worldwide by over 60pc in the next five years, AST has created a new company structure that gives each of its teams a clear identity. The business now has four divisions – AST Asia Pacific, AST Americas, AST EMEA and AST Global Emerging Business – which are supported by the company-wide functions of sales, marketing, HR, operations, software services and technology.  

Both the new structure and company objectives were agreed by a number of teams within AST at a conference held in June – as part of its commitment to an open and inclusive company culture.  

“We could have sat as a very small senior management team and said these are the objectives, but we didn't,” said Andrew Peters, CEO of the AST Group. “We engaged the rest of the leadership team – and the management teams beneath that – to get involved and work towards collectively-agreed common business goals.

“It’s about getting people to feel empowered by their actions and responsibility. You can only do that by giving them a platform and allowing them to have an input into the future, before setting the course.”  

“Inclusivity is a fundamental element for a company such as ours which operates across a number of countries and time zones,” said Louise Hawkins, chief HR officer of the AST Group.  

“One of the areas that we are focusing on – and getting positive feedback on – is developing a global ‘OneAST’ culture,” she added. “That means everybody, from Singapore to Australia and America to the UK, understands that they are all working to develop a first-class company, both for customers and employees.

“There is nobody here who has any more or any less value to the business. Everybody is valued for their positive contribution.”  

Andrew ensures the management team has regular face time with employees worldwide – in order to promote inclusivity and collaboration across the board. “You have to travel and meet people, but you have to do it regularly,” he said. “You can't just do it once and pay lip service to it.”  

Training and development is also embedded in AST’s company culture. The business currently has eight apprentices – with two more joining soon – and in 2021, a number of employees moved into new roles both at home and abroad.  All these roles were part of a wider career development process.   

To cement the process, AST’s senior and extended management team will start a 12-month training programme from September to work together to develop key leadership skills tailored to AST’s vision of OneAST. The decision to offer the training programme was informed by feedback from a company-wide employee survey.  

AST also donates pound-for-pound to support any staff who are fundraising for a registered local or national charity, while a Net Zero employee task force invests time and money to ensure AST plays its part in reducing the effect of harmful carbon emissions wherever it can.  

“It sounds obvious, but it is really important that we continue to demonstrate that people are at the heart of everything we do – and we deliver on our commitments to our employees and customers,” said Andrew.  

Catherine Jones, technical airtime support adviser, said: “Since joining AST, everyone has been welcoming, friendly and always available to answer questions and offer reassurance. My team leader is approachable, knowledgeable and makes you feel at ease.”  

“Every day is a school day,” added Danielle Whichelow, group commercial airtime support team leader. “There is a family atmosphere in the team, and management is very supportive.”  

8/12/2022 | 4 minute read

4 minute read. The AST Group, a global satellite communications company with headquarters in Great Yarmouth, is putting its people at the heart of ambitious growth plans.

The firm putting people at the heart of its future

Thales satellite communications terminal above dock buildings

thales-terminal-above-yarmouth-docks.png

The company was founded in 1992 by chairman Gregory Darling, whose late father George owned Great Yarmouth-based Gardline Group, which specialises in marine geographical surveys. Gregory started his career at Gardline and became group chairman before its sale in 2017 to Boskalis. His early experience with the family business exposed him to some of the challenges facing the maritime industry – one of which inspired him to invest in the setting up of AST.  

“Gregory was exploring what else is happening in the marketplace and saw that satellite technology was starting to make its way up to the top of the agenda,” said Andrew Peters, group managing director of AST. “It was already being used by some of the vessels that Gardline owned – Gregory saw an opportunity to deliver global satellite services and solutions into the land and maritime sectors.”  

It wasn’t just his time at Gardline that equipped Gregory with the acumen to launch his own firm. After leaving school in Lowestoft, he attained a business degree at Sheffield University and then worked on an offshore oil rig for US-based Santa Fe Drilling. Further travel took him to Australia, where he worked in an iron ore mine.  

It’s no coincidence that AST now has a presence in the countries where Gregory spent the early part of his career. “He saw that there was a market in Australia, for example, for land-based satellite services,” Andrew explained. “One of Gregory’s many strengths is spotting gaps in markets and then investing in building the infrastructure, partnerships and relationships to be able to support global growth.” 

In the UK, the business has made strategic acquisitions in markets beyond its maritime roots – including Norwich-based Applied Telematics, a specialist provider of advanced satellite telematics and remote monitoring solutions for fixed and mobile assets in the disaster recovery, maritime and land sectors.

![Gregory Darling shaking hand of Andrew Peters with AST logo in background](https://theastgroup-production.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/f0b33786bc35238d95335c14284d8511.jpg)

“There are lots of examples of where Gregory has had that vision and understanding of how you could take something a bit further and wider, but always using communication services as the platform,” said Andrew. “These services have not necessarily been satellite-based – because sometimes it's delivered by other devices and communications mechanisms – but he always believed that no matter how far away anything was, you will always be able to communicate.”

Especially for the maritime industry, seamless communication is critical – but seabound vessels haven’t traditionally enjoyed the same connectivity that can be achieved onshore. This is the problem that AST originally set out to solve, and which it continues to help customers with today.  

“If you look at the maritime industry, there were many parts of the world where you couldn't get a mobile signal – you certainly couldn't get a fixed line,” said Andrew. “As more and more satellites have gone up into the air and the population of satellite data has become denser, you've been able to get faster upload and download speeds to enable a ship to essentially be more like a house.”  

AST started out as a partner for satellite companies such as Inmarsat and Iridium – developing the technical expertise to implement their systems for distributors. The company continues to act as a trusted intermediary for these firms, but has invested significantly in the development of its own software to monitor customers’ assets once they are installed.  

It now offers a range of software solutions including engine management, fuel monitoring and environmental services – to name but a few. “We're starting to become a more software-led, managed services business to the extent that if you were a maritime or land-based business, and you wanted to manage your geographically dispersed assets more effectively, we could do pretty well anything, within reason!” said Andrew.  

From humble beginnings in 1992, AST now has more than 160 employees worldwide – with over 100 in East Anglia – and generates annual revenue in excess of £60m. Andrew, who joined the company in November 2021, said there’s a lot more to come. “We want to take this business to the next level,” he concluded, “and it's got the foundations laid already to be even more successful. We continue to recruit talented people to support our growth strategy in many areas of our business including software technology, customer support and sales.” 

5/12/2022 | 4 minute read

Utilities

Commercial Shipping

Commercial Fishing 

Offshore Energy

Ports

Workboats

Government & Security

Consumer & Leisure

Mining

NGO's & Environmental

4 minute read. The AST Group, a global satellite communications company with headquarters in Great Yarmouth, is celebrating its 30th year in business – having become an industry leader with offices across Europe, Asia, Australia and the USA.   

The sky’s the limit for global satellite specialists

8b7054c817098acda31a3f979c6a7763.jpg

AST is proud to showcase its wide-ranging remote connectivity services and software for the maritime industry at SMM 2022. You can find their Stand at B6.623 to discover their broad portfolio of satellite communication solutions to empower vessels, ship owners and crew all over the world to harness the power of digitalisation. 

However, AST is much more than just a satellite communications provider. They are developing an industry leading software platform which brings together all the key services required to run an efficient and digitalised fleet. This new market leading platform will enable them to transition into a true solutions provider for the maritime sector with NetZero and Digitalisation at their core.

The new AST platform has a range of solutions built in including vessel and engine performance monitoring, real time fuel burn reporting, real time CO2 emissions reporting, route optimisation, automated planned maintenance systems, crew welfare systems, bandwidth management services just to name a few.

## A word from the AST CEO, Andrew Peters

“Like SMM, my colleagues and I are incredibly proud to have served the maritime industry for 30 years. We are excited to continue for the next 30 years and beyond. Please visit our stand (B6.623) to find out how we can help your company stay connected and harness the power of data.”


## SMM Hamburg

The 30th SMM in Hamburg focuses on the need for implementable solutions for digital transformation, climate change, and the maritime energy transition. With an expanded spectrum of key areas and additional presentation formats, the leading international trade fair for the maritime industry accompanies the change at close quarters.

From 6 - 9 September 2022, maritime industry professionals from all parts of the world will get to experience a complete overview of innovations from all sectors. Plus, they can enjoy live encounters on the exhibition floor and high-profile trade conferences.


## The AST Stand

The AST stand for this long-awaited industry event was built by the highly respected team at [Quadrant 2 Design](https://www.quadrant2design.com/). It has been crafted to give the team and any visitors to the stand an area to speak in a relatively private space. Plus, there are interactive stand elements to help any visitors an understanding of what the AST team have to offer. Make sure to make it your first port of call when visiting the beautiful maritime metropolis of Hamburg this September.

Visit the AST Group at Stand B6.623 to speak with their team of experts at SMM Hamburg from 6 – 9 September.


## About the AST Group

Applied Satellite Technology (AST) Ltd is an independent provider of end-to-end remote communication services, with 30 years’ experience in delivering solutions in both [maritime](https://www.theastgroup.com/solutions/maritime-connectivity) and [land-based](https://www.theastgroup.com/solutions/land-connectivity) industries.

AST’s experienced team of connectivity experts, network specialists and installation engineers deliver services through offices in the [UK, Europe, America, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand](https://www.theastgroup.com/locations), and through their established network of global channel partners.

Providing worldwide coverage and leading smart solutions ensures resilient, powerful connectivity when it is needed most. Through enabling services and digital solutions, such as [INTEGRA](https://www.theastgroup.com/solutions/comms-and-bandwidth-management) Control; bandwidth management solution, IRIS; remote monitoring and asset tracking, and [iRAMS](https://www.theastgroup.com/solutions/maritime-i-o-t-and-asset-management); data management and monitoring platform, users can optimise their operations, make informed decisions quicker and reduce their costs.

6/9/2022 | 3 minute read

3 minute read. AST are exhibiting at SMM 2022 06th September 2022 to 9th September 2022 to showcase their satellite communications services.

AST to showcase satellite services at the Power of Digitalisation at SMM 2022

INTEGRA Comms & Bandwidth Management

AST to showcase the Power of Digitalisation at SMM 2022

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The course has been designed to give staff members the authority in a team, giving employers the ability to trust these members to run projects and be quality team leaders. The ILM Level 3 qualification has been specially designed to give practising or aspiring first-line managers a solid foundation in their formal development as a manager.

Two of our team members achieved outstanding scores when they took part in the ILM Level 3 course earlier this year. Both reached top ten places on the course, for all time. One of these colleagues was Danielle Whichelow, our Group Commercial Airtime Support Team Leader. When Danielle was promoted to GCAS Team Leader, she was offered the chance to take part in the Team Leadership ILM Level 3 course.

When Danielle first joined AST in 2014, and quickly transitioned from her role in Activations and Billing, to a Senior Airtime Advisor role in the new GCAS team, when Paula Foster (Commercial Airtime Services Manager) created it. Then in March of this year, Danielle had proven herself so much, that she was promoted to Team Leader.

“The job and industry are ever changing and there is always an opportunity to learn – no day is ever the same. I am looking forward to any courses in the future that will benefit both myself and the team.”

Throughout her progression in the company and during the course, Danielle said that she received a huge amount of support from the GCAS team, plus they helped make her transition to Team Leader easy.

Jack Bilyard, our Group Software Solutions Team Leader, also finished the course in a top ten place for his work on the ILM Level 3 course. He decided to take on the course as he was, “interested in going down the project management and management route in general, [so] this was an excellent opportunity to learn about an area of work that I’d not had any exposure to before.”

Jack joined AST in 2012 as a Technical Administrator, focusing on customer and internal support. After taking some SQL courses, he moved to a Technical Support/Junior Developer role. Still continuing with support, he gained a good knowledge of every AST system, particularly the [My AST Portal](https://myastportal.com/). From this work, he found that he enjoyed co-ordinating people and troubleshooting, so spoke with Emma Church (Group Software Solutions Manager) about going down the route of project management.

“It has become clearer that I want a ‘career’ and not just a job. Through working, I have found that I am better at some aspects than others, so it is important that I spend my time and energy developing where I am best suited, which is what I am now attempting to do. It helps that I enjoy my job.”

Now as a GSS Team Leader, Jack is undertaking project management qualifications later this year, and a large part of his role is now based around looking after AST apprentices, currently a team of five.

Congratulations to both of our incredibly hard-working colleagues. Taking a top ten place, of all time, for a course that has been running for a long time is a huge achievement.

4/8/2022 | 3 minute read

3 minute read. The ILM Level 3 Accreditation is designed for team members who are stepping into their first management roles. So, when AST has a team member that we plan to promote to a position where they will have line management responsibilities, the ILM Level 3 course is a great option for them to learn.

Two of our amazing colleagues took top places with their ILM Level 3 Awards

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Satellite technology has come a long way since the [AST Group](https://www.theastgroup.com/about-us) was founded 30 years ago in 1992. 

“Satellite communications at that time were relatively new, unknown and difficult to use, but for those working in remote locations it was a necessary service – especially in far-flung territories and at sea – and that's how it all began for AST,”  said Andrew Peters, CEO of the Great Yarmouth-based company, which specialises in both land and maritime satellite communications solutions worldwide.

“Although the maritime market might seem relatively forward in its use of satellite technology, it was actually a conservative business 30 years ago,” Andrew added. “The primary driver for satellite communications was simply to ensure the shore-based operating staff knew the location of their vessels.

“Over the years software technology has advanced considerably, and we are seeing a huge increase in demand for automation and enhanced services.” 

AST has grown over the past 30 years, establishing offices across the globe including the [USA, Australia and Singapore](https://www.theastgroup.com/locations), as well as offices in Norfolk and Southampton. There are also sales offices in Ecuador and Indonesia. The business, under new leadership, continues to expand and provide fully-managed services. 

Andrew explained that effective communication is a key part of the Safety of Lives at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, an international treaty that sets minimum safety standards for ships. “Vessels have to be able to [look after their crew](https://www.theastgroup.com/solutions/maritime-safety) and cargo while they're out at sea,” he said. “In an emergency, you have to be able to hit a security button and know that somebody is going to come and rescue you.”   

Technology has developed such that the internet is provided via various satellite services with much improved data speeds. Consequently, those working remotely in mine sites, on ships and in conflict zones now have internet access and, depending upon the service, can watch movies too.  

As satellite technology has advanced over the past 30 years, AST has developed its technical expertise, working with best-in-class providers, as well as its own software to provide complete remote managed data services.

“We've developed our own billing system; we've developed our own portal for customers; we've developed our terrestrial network, AST [INTEGRA](https://www.theastgroup.com/solutions/comms-and-bandwidth-management), which hosts various software applications including the ability to individually manage and control internet usage,” said Andrew. “We've also developed engine management, fuel monitoring and environmental services. We continue to grow our portfolio of added value services driven by market needs. 

“Customers are increasingly requiring a deeper range of services including integration of radio and satellite comms, remote sensors and data analysis, alerting and bandwidth management. It’s a great deal more than just providing the hardware and air time. That’s the easy part,” he added.

“The other bit is the real value AST provides. We are investing in the software side of the business, which is considered vital to future customer service delivery. Digitalisation is, after all, here to stay.” 

Andrew said AST is fortunate to have a very loyal client base, which it works closely with to discuss ideas and proposals. “They might say it’s brilliant or they might say it’s not so good – in which case we’ll develop it further – and we always keep engaged with feedback every step of the way as we develop new or add to existing services,” he concluded. “We understand customers, and we work with them very closely.”  

20/7/2022 | 4 minute read

4 minute read. The AST Group is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. CEO Andrew Peters explains how the firm has become a global leader in satellite communications.

The Great Yarmouth firm keeping the whole world connected

Clipper Round the World boat that AST provided satellite communications services for

Being the only event of its kind for non-professional sailors, AST have provided voice and data service solutions to help meet the ever-growing operational and media demands of the global yacht race, along with GTMaritime.   

After over a month at sea, and an exceptionally close finish, WTC Logistics claimed the first win, crossing the line at 1830 UTC. The team, led by Skipper Dan Jones and First Mate Ineke van der Weijden, clinched the victory of the 6100nm race from the Philippines to Seattle, where they battled tough conditions for over 34 days.

Mark Light, Clipper Race Director, added: “Huge congratulations to WTC Logistics on a great performance and superb win. Dan, Ineke and the team have excelled throughout this race and proven just what a competitive race team they are. Sailing to victory in our edition’s longest race and across such a powerful North Pacific Ocean is something to be very, very proud of and they all deserve to enjoy their success.”

WTC Logistics has been in the leading pack from the start, often jostling for the top spot with Unicef, GoToBermuda and Punta del Este. After crossing the Scoring Gate in third, the team pushed ahead and performed exceptionally well in the range of conditions that the North Pacific served up. From huge seas to wind holes, the crew really have experienced it all.

It’s in these tough conditions where AST becomes vital. As noted by the Clipper Race Chairman and Founder, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, “the reliability of the communication systems on board is key to the successful management and [safety](https://www.theastgroup.com/solutions/maritime-safety) of the Clipper Race fleet as the teams traverse some of the most remote areas of the planet”.

The Operations Director at WTC Logistics, Anthony Clarke, congratulated the team on their victory, “Dan, Ineke, and our amazing crew, wow what a race. We are so proud of your achievement… Everyone here at WTC Logistics, and all of our supporters, have been glued to the Race Viewer monitoring your progress.”

Unicef crossed the finish line just 2 hours 53 minutes after WTC Logistics at 21:23 UTC to take a well-deserved second position. After playing its joker, the team has doubled their race points for the Sailing City - Qingdao Cup, receiving a score of 20. Led by Skipper Ian Wiggin and First Mate Dan Bodey, Unicef has been a frontrunner in this race, and played its tactics well to take one of the top positions.

It has been a nail-biting few days as the fleet approached the finish line. After some great conditions, just days from the finish, the wind dropped and the fleet frontrunners were becalmed just 100 nautical miles (nm) from the finish line. As the leading yachts in front bobbed around making speeds as little as 2 knots, the yachts further behind took advantage of better winds, enabling them to shake up the mid table rankings by making good speed toward the finish.

In the lead up to the finish, Punta del Este, having suffered in a wind hole, dropped from the podium but remained hot on the heels of GoToBermuda. Unfortunately, GoToBermuda couldn’t lay the line with the wind angle, meaning they were forced to tack, whilst Punta del Este pushed ahead to reclaim its podium place in the final miles to the finish. Punta del Este sailed across the finish line in third place at 22:46 UTC.

Yacht Club Punta del Este Commodore, Juan Etcheverrito, said: "Oh my goodness! If these last few hours have been nerve breaking to us, we can’t imagine how it was for you all! Even with the tiredness and the lack of wind after sailing so fast… A podium place is so well deserved!"

We will keep you updated as the events of this grand race unfold, until every team completes their journey at London’s Royal Docks, and one team is crowned the winners of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 2022. Keep an eye on the race for yourself using the [Race Viewer] (www.clipperroundtheworld.com/race/standings) to be the first to see who scoops the top positions.

27/5/2022 | 3 minute read

3 minute read. The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is already a month in, and AST were proud to be there the whole way. Ten yachts arrived into Port of Seattle’s Bell Harbor Marina within 12 hours, and we will continue to support the teams as they navigate the globe.

Clipper Round the World is a close race, and AST is there for the journey

Maritime Safety GMDSS

d88901670ca0cd601f93b0f1047cab2f.jpg

Race for Life is a series of fundraising events, organised by the charity, [Cancer Research UK](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/). Everyone taking part raises money by running, jogging, or walking a 5-kilometre, 10-kilometres, or a ‘Pretty Muddy’ course.

Bethany (Airtime Team Leader), Nicole (Key Account Manager), and Stacey (Key Account Manager) all accepted the challenge of running the Race for Life Pretty Muddy event in Norwich, tackling obstacles along a five kilometres course. Climbing, crawling, and sliding their way to the end. Staisha (Key Account Manager) managed to avoid the mud but set herself the daunting challenge of taking on the 10-kilometre race.

I caught up with them all to learn about how it really felt to take part.

 

## How was the Pretty Muddy event?

**Bethany**

It was a lot harder than I thought it would be. The main thing that hit me the most was having wet feet and trying to run. It was the squelching and the weight. But it was so much fun.

**Nicole**

It was a good day. It was really emotional. When you read the back of all the shirts that everyone had on and saw that they said things like, ‘I’m racing in memory of my twin that I lost.’

There were people that said that they were, ‘racing for me,’ and they were obviously going through their own cancer journeys. While it was really emotional and sad, it was also a joyous thing to be able to be there and show support.

We were set off in 15-minute intervals, and the organisers told us that our 15-minute group raised £78,000. That’s just one of many 15-minute groups. So, it reminds you how big this thing is.

When everyone comes together, it’s nice to be a part of something so big, knowing that a lot of other people have the same mentality. It felt really nice to know that you had done your part.


## How did you find training for the event?

**Stacey**

Nicole and I did absolutely no training, which in hindsight… probably wasn’t our best idea.

**Bethany**

I started to and then I dropped off a bit. But my stepdaughter, she raced in the Pretty Muddy Kids. She ran the whole thing, and she is only eight. She was absolutely covered in mud too. But that’s all part of the fun.

**Nicole**

There’s been a lot of support from the AST group. And it wasn’t just the company that sponsored us, our colleagues have been amazing too, making individual contributions, and they’re still coming today, from all departments.

## Why did you choose to run the ten-kilometre race?

**Staisha**

I had done the 5k pretty muddy run a couple of years ago and I loved it. So, this year, I decided to sign up for the 10k instead. It was also to push myself a little bit and start training. I did three months of training but I’m not a runner at all. I only started running at the beginning of this year, and now it’s turned into a hobby. I’ve even signed up for a half marathon later this year.

It’s helped me physically and mentally, as well as supporting the amazing cause. We’ve raised £2000 between us, and thanks to AST’s donation.

The day was really emotional. Just seeing families showing their support and people with signs on their backs, saying who they were running for. It was all so happy, but also so sad. It really was an emotional day.

## An amazing achievement

It is clear to see that these four are working hard to support Cancer Research and help the charity to continue their research to change lives. This is for everyone suffering with cancer, including friends and family.

At [AST](https://www.theastgroup.com/about-us) we always look to empower others and build lasting partnerships, especially with our colleagues. it is important for everyone in our business to support each other, and even more so, when it comes to things close to our hearts, including charity.

That is why the AST Group have also supported their cause with a donation, to take the total raised by our group of runners to £2000. Plus, we are happy to say that other members of staff are still sending in donations to celebrate four amazing race finishes.


## How to donate

If you want to show your support for these four brave racers, follow the links below to raise even more for Cancer Research to help with their future research efforts:

[Bethany](https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/bethsrace-for-life-3221) | [Nicole](https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/nicoles-race-for-life-3735) | [Stacey](https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/staceys-race-for-life-203953) | [Staisha](https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/staishas-race-for-life-1)

26/5/2022 | 3 minute read

3 minute read. Four of our incredible AST colleagues raised an amazing £2000 for Cancer Research, by taking part in two Race for Life events.


Race for Life runners raise £2000

gregory-darling-ast-group-founder-chairman.jpg

## Tell us about yourself - your background and education.

I grew up and went to school in the fishing port of Lowestoft on the east coast of England and earned a Business Degree in Sheffield. I then wanted to see the world, as many as that time did, so I worked offshore as a roustabout for Santa Fe Drilling on a three-legged jack-up the Britannia, and then bought a motor bike and drove across the U.S., stopping to work on a cruise ship operating out of New Orleans. I eventually reached Australia where I worked in an iron ore mine maintaining 200-ton trucks. 


## Wow, that's quite a record!

Yes, the early experience of working in the real world encouraged me to do more, especially as I came back from my trip with more money that I started with!


## Okay, so what happened next?

In the early 1970s offshore gas was starting to be discovered and developed in the southern North Sea, and I agreed to temporarily join my father's new company, Gardline Shipping Ltd., as an office assistant. Gardline was conducting depth and location surveys for drilling companies using some recently retired Norwegian coastal vessels. The business grew, and so did my role, and I began travelling extensively in Europe first and the Africa and the Far East in search of new business. 

I secured the first contracts for the company in many countries, including: Norway, Nigeria, Angola, Somalia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. Eventually, and after some real ups and downs, we owned and operated 15 ocean-going-survey ships. Work locations varied from the poles to the tropics and included oil and gas exploration, trans-ocean telephone cable surveys, location of lost aircraft and government patrol vessel operations.

The "temporary" secondment at my father's company lasted 40 years! I wound up as Group Chairman before the company was sold in 2017. 


## Meanwhile, you had already founded AST in 1992. How did that come about? Had satellite technology even come into existence back then?

Thirty years ago, Inmarsat A was just starting with voice only, and Inmarsat C was 'coming soon'. There was no fax and no Internet, only radio telex. We had vessel in West Africa that had started a return journey to Europe, but a new contract required the vessel to go back. Radio comms were poor, and we lost several ship's days in the process, so we decided to buy a Magnavox Inmarsat A. It was costly and difficult to use, and we were invoiced in SDRs (special drawings rights), a form of currency issued by the International Monetary Fund, which made payments unnecessarily difficult.

As a confused and frustrated user, it occurred to me that I was probably not alone, and hence the idea of applying satellite technology to solve operational problems was born, leading to the name "Applied Satellite Technology" - AST for short. I was confident satellite communications or satcoms would grow, and it turned out to be a correct assumption. 

So, I quit my full-time job with Gardline and rented an industrial unit in Norwich with one technician and a part-time secretary, and that's how it all began. 


## Where is the company based today? Are there other offices in different countries? How many employees are there?

AST is based in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, U.K. and has two other U.K. offices. We have about 160 employees and additional offices in the U.S., Singapore, and Australia.


## AST describes itself as a "leading global innovator in satellite communications solutions". For us non-technical types, what does that mean? What do satcom providers like AST actually do for clients?

The innovation part comes from two key qualities. First is our knowledge of customer requirements, which enables us to test and bring the market new services and solutions ahead of the competition and empower our customers with best-in-class, future-proof solutions. Second is our ability to integrate various communications systems, establish VPNs (virtual private networks) and customer-specific networks, and manage data. That's really at the core of our innovation.

Integration is important for a ship where there will be, for example, GSM, VSAT, and L-band comms as well as a LAN for the crew. How does all that plug together so the service fits the needs of the ship's operations? Establishing VPNs and connections to global offices with appropriate cybersecurity is not an "off the shelf" deliverable and varies depending on the customer's needs. And that's where we come in, and why so many of our solutions are bespoke and one-of-a-kind. 

Data management is necessary for all kinds of reasons, starting with reporting and alerting for comms overage or prioritization. We manage each element to provide customers with the package best-suited to their needs. 


Okay, tell us about some of those solutions - INTEGRA, IRIS, iRAMS, the My AST portal.
## INTEGRA is our managed global point-of-presence network. INTEGRA Control is a software that allows users to manage IP traffic in real time to prioritize bandwidth usage and ease congestion. By maximizing performance for business-critical applications, it lowers costs and helps eliminate unwanted traffic that can represent up to 20 percent of all IP traffic.

IRIS is a software product that connects and manages different data streams including location-based services. IRAMS is a remote asset-management package for ships, connecting engines and generators and other devices and displaying a range of data for immediate response via alerts or reviews of comparative performance. The My AST portal is the main gateway for customers to manage their satellite connections and services including INTEGRA Control. It's a constantly evolving, user-friendly portal.


## We saw recently that AST is partnering with a company called OneWeb to offer a new suite of services to the maritime industry. Tell us about that. Are partnerships an important part of AST's business strategy?

OneWeb is building a new LEO (Low Earth Orbit) constellation with a 10-fold increase in speed over what is commonly available today. OneWeb's ability to provide high-speed connectivity anywhere in the world is a real game-change and means what we are used to at home or in the office will be available anywhere. It's 648 next-generation satellites in low earth orbit shrink the world. We're excited by what is the first of the new-generation constellations that is targeting the maritime market in particular. It's due for commercial launch in the first quarter of 2023.

In addition to increased speed and low latency, OneWeb's system will provide discrete communications channels for ships' business VOIP, system monitoring, crew use and third-party use. This fits exactly with AST's tailored business solution approach to providing a package of connectivity for the client's total business needs. 

Partnerships and close relationships with key providers like OneWeb are crucial to our ability to provide what is not just new but is also reliable and best-in-class. 

## How has COVID affected business? What changes did you have to make in operations and procedures? Are things getting back to normal now?

COVID was a challenge, and the AST team responded very positively to working from home and managing the difficulties of freight delays, travel restrictions and installations in remote ports. As with many companies, the use of Microsoft Teams and ZOOM increased and has become a normal addition to how we and others conduct business.

Business slowed for everyone as it made sense for customers to delay upgrades and installations during a pandemic. However, business is getting back to normal with appropriate procedures to keep safe, and we are broadly optimistic for the future. New technologies such as OneWeb will be a catalyst for growth in the next two years. 

## What makes AST different?

AST is different because of our attention to the details of customers' needs. We are system-agnostic and independent, so we're not driven by a particular provider. With 30 years' experience and growing originally from the offshore business, we know how important reliable communications are at sea and the vital support necessary when changes are required, or problems need to be solved. All providers may say this, but we back it up, and AST's service ethos is our best business driver. Being reliable, enthusiastic and flexible means a great deal to our customers.

## Where does satcom technology go from here?

New products in our world are essentially software enablers, better use of data controls, improved ability to increase or decrease bandwidth and integration of communication systems via least-cost routing. For example, the comparison of data from dual main engines can determine relative performance and, if parameters differ markedly, then the reason can be investigated to save fuel or prevent failure. For wind farm construction, AST can turn on and off remote generators used in construction, thereby optimizing usage and lowering costs. For sensors, alerts can be provided when critical levels are reached so that appropriate action can be taken. 

## What excites you most about your job?

The challenges of applying technology to what is a global market and then achieving success with satisfied customers. 

## What do you like to do in your spare time?

I am a pretend farmer. I like my tractor and solving the associated practical problems.


## Any final message for our readers?

My final message is that technology is a means to an end and must be easy to use, especially for those in remote locations. All involved should consider the user at sea in a storm or the cost of non-compliance if data is corrupted. Reliability is rule one.

25/5/2022 | 7 minute read

7 minute read. Satcom pioneer Darling founded the AST Group to "apply satellite technology to solve operational problems." Since then, the company's innovative and often bespoke solutions have benefited customers for 30 years.


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