Pay-as-you-go Starlink service now available for maritime

Named WELCOME, the service is based on Starlink’s global maritime offering, and will provide high-speed, low-latency internet access with no fixed monthly fees. It is targeted at crew and passengers. Crew members will be able to purchase data bundles or monthly subscriptions starting at just US$3 using both international and regional credit cards, online wallets and other payment methods.

The new service will be available worldwide in all international waters and the territorial waters of 70 countries, with bandwidth of up to 350 Mbps and average latency below 99ms.

Elcome senior manager for connectivity, Asneed Ameer said, “We are excited to introduce WELCOME, a game-changing maritime internet service that will revolutionse how ships and offshore installations stay connected at sea. As an industry first, Elcome will be offering a free Starlink flat high-performance kit for qualifying customers. This means crews can benefit from WELCOME without any upfront investment and with no fixed monthly cost.” 

The service is designed to be flexible, allowing crew to use the data they purchase on one WELCOME-equipped vessel on another vessel. This ensures crews can stay connected seamlessly as they move between vessels.

Elcome has deployed nearly 1,500 maritime Starlink terminals in the past year and expects to deploy thousands more in 2024. The customer base includes some of the biggest names in commercial maritime, oil and gas, defence, yachting, ferry and cruise industries.