Iridium is providing satellite data links for a cost-effective e-mail solution for passengers and crew of M/V Polar Star, an expedition cruise ship that specializes in excursions from Antarctica to the Arctic.
The satellite e-mail service was developed and installed on M/V Polar Star by Global Marine Networks, an Iridium value-added developer.
“Iridium’s constellation of 66 low-earth orbiting satellites makes it possible for M/V Polar Star’s passengers and crew to communicate in Polar Regions where, previously, they haven’t had access,” said Don Thoma, executive vice president of Iridium Satellite.
Global Marine Networks’ XGate wireless e-mail gateway makes it easy and inexpensive for passengers to send and receive e-mail during the voyage. Prior to the Iridium solution, M/V Polar Star passengers had to handwrite or save to floppy disks messages slated for e-mail and deliver them to the purser, who then re-typed and transmitted the notes. For passengers to receive e-mail, the crew had to print and hand-deliver the messages.
Now, the M/V Polar Star purser creates accounts and assigns e-mail addresses for passengers who want to have e-mail access during the voyage. They can use a computer, running Web mail, located in one of several locations on the ship to receive and read their messages in privacy.
The M/V Polar Star crew also benefits from the new Iridium satellite-based e-mail system. Crewmembers can use the service to send invoices and notices directly to their passengers. The e-mail gets delivered locally without consuming satellite airtime.
“The XGate software uses selective compression techniques to optimize e-mail transfers,” said Dr. Luis Soltero, president of Global Marine Networks. “On average, Xgate is about 10 to 15 times faster than other satellite e-mail systems when it comes to delivering e-mail.”
“Global Marine Networks’ Iridium e-mail solution is much more convenient for everyone involved. It is easy to use, cost effective and innovative, while ensuring privacy for those who use it,” said Thoma.
