Land based large satellite facing upwards with blue winding rays emitting from the dish

thumbnail_IntergratedCommunications 1_1.jpg

All the latest news from AST Networks 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.

[AST Networks'](https://www.ast-networks.com/about-us) exclusive real-time data alerting software, [INTEGRA Control Lite](https://www.ast-networks.com/solutions/comms-and-bandwidth-management) allows users to monitor usage and be alerted as defined thresholds are crossed accurately and automatically. A user is also able to block the service or category once a threshold is reached, giving a greater level of risk mitigation against excessive usage – all in real-time and without needing to process Call Data Records (CDRs).

**AST Networks Chairman and Founder, Gregory Darling commented:**

“AST Networks is delighted to bring [Iridium Certus 200](https://www.ast-networks.com/en/services/iridium-certus) to the market coupled with our INTEGRA Control Lite service. This exclusively enables AST Networks' customers to see their data usage and manage it through real-time alerting to avoid unintended costs due to exceeding MB plan allowance”.

On June 22, 2021, Iridium announced the L-band broadband Iridium Certus 200 service was commercially available for maritime and land mobile markets. This service is designed to offer speeds up to 176 Kbps through a compact and easy to install, lightweight antenna. The service is ideal in both land and maritime environments, such as:

- Primary communication for small commercial fishing vessels or workboats, or leisure users; and utilities or mining operations, as well as NGOs or first responders.

- Secondary communication or redundancy solution in both maritime and land sectors; as [VSAT](https://www.ast-networks.com/services/ast-global-vsat) companion or business continuity, respectively.

The [Thales VesseLINK 200](https://www.ast-networks.com/products/thales-vesselink-200-iridium-certus) for maritime and [Thales MissionLINK 200](https://www.ast-networks.com/products/thales-missionlink-200) for land-based applications are the first products available in this service class.

**About Iridium Communications Inc.**

[Iridium®](https://www.ast-networks.com/en/services/i-1) is the only mobile voice and data satellite communications network that spans the entire globe. Iridium enables connections between people, organizations and assets to and from anywhere, in real-time. Together with its ecosystem of partner companies, Iridium delivers an innovative and rich portfolio of reliable solutions for markets that require truly global communications. In 2019, the company completed a generational upgrade of its satellite network and launched its new speciality broadband service, Iridium Certus®. Iridium Communications Inc. is headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S.A., and its common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol IRDM. For more information about Iridium products, services and partner solutions, visit www.iridium.com.

29/6/2021

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 Networks 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 Networks 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 Networks 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 Networks 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 Networks 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 Networks 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 Networks 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://www.ast-networks.com/case-studies/fishery-asset-monitoring-from-ast) and comply with fishing regulations with AST Networks 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 

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 Networks' 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 Networks helps workboat vessels plan, administer and [monitor vessel maintenance and servicing tasks](https://www.ast-networks.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

Applied Satellite Technology Networks, today announced the official launch of its unique Iridium Certus 200 service offering, with real-time alerting capabilities ensuring customers’ stay fully in control of MB allowances.

AST Networks introduces Iridium Certus 200 service offering

Iridium logo.

Iridium’s Network provides truly global coverage, from [pole-to-pole](/sectors/polar) and at any altitude and any minimises line-of-sight issues.

Truly Global

Powered by a constellation of [Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites](/insights/news/ast-announced-go-market-partner-iridium-push-talk), the Iridium Network provides high-quality voice and data connections over the planet’s entire surface, including [oceans](/solutions/maritime-connectivity), airways and [polar](/sectors/polar) regions.

Voice and Data

As an Iridium GMDSS [launch partner](/insights/news/ast-announced-service-provider-iridiums-global-maritime-distress-and-safety-system-gmdss), AST Networks is able to offer the only GMDSS service that delivers 100% global coverage and a Safety voice feature. Making critical safety services available anywhere in the world will allow mariners to sail with increased confidence.  




Iridium GMDSS

The Iridium network provides the only truly global coverage, from pole-to-pole and at any altitude.  Iridium’s 66 cross-linked satellites with multiple overlapping spot beams provide reliable weather resilient communications anywhere in the world. 

**Iridium Documentation**

[Middle East & Africa Prepay Region](https://theastgroup-production.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/8f5cdc781c24b48f97d5bdc3b905d140.pdf?updated_at=2022-12-20T14:29:36.733Z)

[Iridium PTT Middle East Region](https://theastgroup-production.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/7fcbec4b24cbc9ba6d4f50a682df3b37.pdf?updated_at=2022-12-20T14:29:36.963Z)

[Iridium PTT North America Region](https://theastgroup-production.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/2464f9c86ba4a392eb50eafd3df583ba.pdf?updated_at=2022-12-20T14:29:36.969Z)

[Latam America Prepay Region](https://theastgroup-production.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/4c3e840c17dc17bf4a5ded6f47bb7491.pdf?updated_at=2022-12-20T14:29:37.020Z)

Iridium Logo.

Voice and data connectivity available through a constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, Iridium keeps people – and things – connected on the land, in the air, or at sea.

Iridium Satellite Services

Iridium Certus® 700 combines the fastest L-band speeds of up to 704Kbps, with low-cost yet highly robust equipment and truly global coverage to any location, including the [polar](https://www.ast-networks.com/case-studies/oceanwide-expeditions-chooses-ast-and-iridium-certus-for-pole-to-pole-communications) regions for [land](/solutions/land-connectivity), [IoT](https://www.ast-networks.com/solutions/maritime-i-o-t-and-asset-management) and [maritime industries]/solutions/maritime-connectivity). 
 
Iridium Certus® brings you the ideal platform for operational communications and safety services across all maritime sectors and geographies in an efficient and reliable package. Extending the reach of terrestrial and cellular infrastructure like never before, with truly mobile communications capabilities.

Providing high-quality voice calls, full internet access, and file, photo, and video transfers, making it ideal for supporting critical connectivity and supporting [crew welfare](/solutions/crew-welfare) needs regardless of location, sea conditions and weather events.

## Featured products:

**Maritime** 

[Cobham SAILOR 4300](/products/cobham-satcom-sailor-4300-l-band-iridium-certus)

[Thales VesseLINK 700](/products/thales-vesselink-iridium-certus) 

**Land**

[Thales MissionLINK 700 ](/products/thales-missionlink-iridium-certus)


Iridium Certus® 700

With upload and download speeds up to 176 Kbps, Iridium Certus® 200 delivers reliable, truly global coverage through small, lightweight, low-power equipment. 
 
From high-quality voice calling on-the-move to internet and messaging and [critical remote applications](/solutions/remote-and-lone-workers), Iridium Certus® 200 offers an affordable broadband connectivity solution anywhere in the world.

## Featured Products

**Maritime** 

[Thales VesseLINK 200](/products/thales-vesselink-200-iridium-certus)

**Land** 

[Thales MissionLINK 200](/products/thales-missionlink-200)

 


Iridium Certus® 200

Optimised for solutions with strict size, weight, and power requirements, [Iridium Certus® 100](/products/blue-sky-network-skylink-5100-land-iridium-certus-100) provides reliable, truly global connectivity for vehicles and vessels all over the world. 
 
IP data speeds of up to 88 Kbps and high-quality dual voice lines capability, Iridium Certus® 100 is ideal for mobile, fixed, and portable operations like workforce communications, remote monitoring, and real-time asset control. 
 
All the key features of the Iridium Certus® network - truly global, reliability, weather resiliency, high quality voice and low latency – in smaller form factor hardware and lower speeds for cost effective deployments wherever they are required.

## Featured Products

**Maritime** 

[Lars Thrane LT-4100 System 0](/products/lt-4100-satellite-communications-system) 

[Blue Sky Network SkyLink 6100](/products/blue-sky-network-skylink-6100-maritime-iridium-certus-100)

**Land** 

[Blue Sky Network SkyLink 5100]/products/blue-sky-network-skylink-5100-land-iridium-certus-100) 

**IOT**  

[Blue Sky Network SkyLink 5100](/products/blue-sky-network-skylink-5100-IoT)





Iridium Certus® 100

Offering a choice of service classes, ranging from 22Kbps up to 704 Kbps, optimised for speed and bandwidth, enabling high-quality voice calls, video streaming, full internet access, and file, photo, and video transfers. 

When combined with AST Networks' award-winning value-added services you receive the best solutions for critical, primary, and backup communications or [VSAT companion](/solutions/maritime-connectivity), with cutting edge broadband IP data management and asset tracking, wherever you need it. 

Iridium Certus® offered by AST Networks, delivers a proven and reliable truly global service, combined with the highest L-band speeds – offering a real choice and superior connectivity regardless of location, terrain, or weather. 


Iridium Certus® Network Service

Providing efficient bandwidth management by giving you real-time access to monitor and control data usage.

The INTEGRA suite provides real-time access to monitor and control data usage enabling efficient bandwidth management. The service is exclusively available via an online portal which you can access securely anywhere. You can now truly take control of your airtime plan.

INTEGRA services give you the insight to prioritise critical communications and make key bandwidth management decisions backed by automated insights and data. Watch the video below to learn more about INTEGRA.

Comms & Bandwidth Management

Delivering secure, end-to-end reliable, high-performance satellite communications through AST INTEGRA Network. Your maritime business can use the INTEGRA Network to access industry-leading insight into satellite subscriptions. 

The global IP network operates at 99.999% availability, with minimal risk of downtime. This is because of the high quality of the INTEGRA Network that utilises best-in-class data centres and carrier-grade leased lines for ultimate reliability.



INTEGRA Network

[Ships are increasingly using systems that rely on digitisation](https://www.ast-networks.com/case-studies/integra-1), integration, and automation, which call for cyber risk management on board. This is a result of the increase of threats faced due to evolving technology and techniques.

The INTEGRA Network has multiple layers of cybersecurity controls to maximise protection against threats. With an advanced firewall, web filtering and intrusion prevention, you'll have the means to stop threats that can be costly.

Sometimes security can be compromised from crew members downloading unprotected applications. INTEGRA Cybershield allows you to block these applications to help protect your crew.

INTEGRA Cybershield

INTEGRA See is exclusively available to all AST customers and provides precise information of IP traffic initiated from the satellite terminal at the point it reaches our ground-based INTEGRA Network. Providing you full visibility of the traffic at an application level, including encrypted applications.

With See+ you get enhanced visibility of application useage by devices on your satellite service. You also get access to three months of historical usage data.

INTEGRA See and See+

INTEGRA Control Lite provides real-time category control for traffic initiated from the satellite terminal at the point it reaches our ground-based INTEGRA Network. It also benefits from the features included with INTEGRA See and INTEGRA See+.

Additionally, it gives access to real-time alerting and blocking capabilities at an application level, ensuring you control costs that can amount from over use. 

With INTEGRA Control, you get all the features from Control Lite, See and See+ as well as real-time bandwidth management and application-level control for your satellite connection.

INTEGRA Control and Control Lite

Onsatmail is AST's email compression software for use on [Inmarsat](/en/services/inmarsat-satellite-services), [Iridium](/en/services/i-1) & [Thuraya](/en/services/thuraya-satellite-services) Handheld devices, while also widely utilised for IP-based Services including [Iridium Certus®](/en/services/iridium-certus) and Inmarsat’s FBB & BGAN service.

Onsatmail uses a specialised data transfer protocol which addresses the low bandwidth, high latency connections typically found in satellite phone data connections. This error-tolerant protocol coupled with mail batching, compression and advanced spam filtering, provides users with a powerful, easy to use e-mail solution.

Visit [www.onsatmail.com](http://www.onsatmail.com/) to download and install the software.

Onsatmail - E-mail compression software

Through cutting-edge and easy-to-use software solutions we can take your ocean-based business to the next level. Learn more below about how you can cut costs, increase efficiency, support crew welfare and anticipate issues early on to troubleshoot. 

AST Networks introduces Iridium Certus 200 service offering with exclusive real-time usage alerting capabilities

29/6/2021

Related News