Telenor Satellite has stamped its type-approval for Intellian’s next version of terminals for Ka-band ship communications
This approves use of Intellian’s v85NX antenna over Telenor’s Thor 7 satellite following successful sea trials enabling vessel owners to install these antennas for communications using Telenor’s Anker Maritime Ka-band service.
This delivers fast broadband communication over European sea routes, from the Barents Sea in the north, to the Mediterranean Sea in the south.
Thor 7 service is designed to provide optimal high throughput Ka-band VSAT connectivity across Europe, covering the North, Norwegian, Barents, Baltic and Mediterranean seas, from 25 active spot beams.
v85NX is a compact and light-weight antenna with low capital and operational expenditure. It is the first 85-cm diameter antenna to be certified on the Thor 7 network and will provide the same airtime pricing as 1-m antennas.
The size and weight of the antennas make them easy to install on vessels. There is a step-by-step commissioning wizard built into the antenna management and control software, saving time for the user.
Telenor Satellite director of the data services division Jan Hetland welcomed Intellian’s v85NX antenna into the 1-m antenna class for Thor 7 connectivity.
“We are focused on quality and high performance for the maritime sector, so we have to be certain the hardware we choose matches our own high standards,” he says.
“Intellian’s NX series’ systems have a range of features and their innovative design reflects our forward-looking service provision. We will continue working with Intellian to deliver Ka-band connectivity to our loyal Anker maritime customers,” said Mr Hetland.
Intellian chief executive Eric Sung said v85NX can be configured for either Ka- or Ku-band VSAT communications.
“New customers can purchase a v85NX antenna pre-configured for Ka-band off the shelf, while users who already own a v85NX antenna on a Ku-band network can easily convert it to Ka-band operation for use with Thor 7,” Mr Sung said.
The antennas can be easily converted between Ku- and Ka-band by swapping out the centre-mounted radio frequency assembly and feed.
There are block up-converter (BUC) options depending on power and bandwidth requirements, with 5-W or 10-W BUCs for Ka-band and between 8-25 W for Ku-band. These are interchangeable with no need to rebalance the system following installation.
Other antennas from different providers can also be used for Thor 7 connectivity.
Maritime communications will be part of Riviera Maritime Media’s webinar series with a week on the subject in Q3 2020, for more details click here
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.