Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has committed to improving maritime connectivity for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in response to concerns from CPI (M) MP R. Sachithanantham. Measures include acquiring additional vessels and chartering ships to enhance passenger and cargo transport, while addressing the local job market for youth through recruitment initiatives.
KVH has launched the CommBox Edge Core, a cutting-edge communications gateway for leisure and small to mid-sized commercial vessels. Designed for robust network management, it integrates various WANs like Starlink and 5G/LTE, enhancing connectivity with features like Wi-Fi 6 and a user-friendly mobile app for seamless control.
Veteran maritime satellite connectivity providers Speedcast, Tototheo Global, and KVH have embraced the emergence of Starlink and other LEO constellations, enhancing their service offerings. This shift from a GEO-focused model to LEO technology enables them to provide innovative, complex connectivity solutions in a rapidly evolving market, ensuring they meet new demands effectively.
The maritime industry is embracing digitalization, driven by data demand. Companies can leverage NexusWave for high-speed connectivity, unlimited data, and secure infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency. This service supports AI and data analytics, ensuring seamless communication and improving crew morale, while prioritizing cybersecurity and future-ready bandwidth solutions.
Maritime communications are evolving beyond traditional geosynchronous satellites to embrace a multi-orbit approach, utilizing LEO, MEO, and HEO satellites. This strategy enhances connectivity and network performance, especially with 5G integration. Moreover, cloud technology is revolutionizing maritime networks, offering scalable solutions and seamless integration with emerging technologies for improved operational efficiency.
India has signed 13 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Maldives, committing MVR 100 million to enhance ferry services and maritime connectivity. These agreements, part of the High Impact Community Development Project Phase III, aim to uplift community livelihoods and strengthen the partnership between the two nations through improved infrastructure.
In real-world tests, Inmarsat Maritime’s NexusWave bonded connectivity service has proven to be a powerful solution for ships at sea, achieving impressive download speeds of 330–340 Mbps and upload speeds of 70–80 Mbps. With network availability exceeding 99.99%, NexusWave combines multiple underlays for superior reliability and redundancy, ensuring seamless connectivity in challenging maritime environments.
The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) is implementing initiatives like ‘One Nation: One Port Process (ONOP)’ to modernize India’s maritime infrastructure and streamline operations. Minister Sarbananda Sonowal introduced these initiatives along with Sagar Ankalan to improve efficiency and global competitiveness in the maritime sector, emphasizing collaboration and innovation for growth.
Applied Satellite Technology Ltd (AST) has been awarded the Intellian OneWeb Certification, allowing them to install Intellian parabolic antennas. This accreditation solidifies AST’s position as a leader in maritime connectivity solutions. AST is also authorized to offer certified training for Intellian OneWeb solutions, aiming to foster a community of skilled technicians in the maritime sector.
