Boeing offers maritime communications service

Connexion by Boeing, a business unit of The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA), is now offering high speed satellite broadband capability for the maritime industry.

Originally developed for the aviation market, Connexion by Boeing offers broadband Internet, data and entertainment connectivity to mobile travelers.

Connexion by Boeing recently announced definitive service agreements with Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) and Japan Airlines to equip their fleets of long-haul aircraft with the service beginning in early 2004. In addition, British Airways has completed a successful service demonstration, and All-Nippon Airways, Singapore Airlines and China Airlines have announced their intent to install the Connexion by Boeing service on their long-range aircraft.

Applying the broadband capability of Connexion by Boeing to the maritime communications industry is seen as a natural complement to its commercial airline service. The maritime solution leverages the existing satellite and ground-based network Connexion by Boeing has established and will bring the same capabilities for robust, high-speed connectivity to the maritime industry. Existing networks will provide coverage in the North Atlantic and a solution for Pacific Ocean coverage will be announced in the very near future.

"We're actively engaged in discussions with several of the leading maritime operators, as well as potential distributors, and have received a tremendously positive response to our service and the speeds at which we can move data," said Connexion by Boeing President Scott Carson. "Operators of vessels around the world have the immediate need to stay connected, allowing a more informed and efficient operation, no matter where they are in the world -- close to shore or in the shipping lanes across the Pacific and other oceanic regions."

Connexion by Boeing has successfully tested real-time data communication and a live, high-quality video teleconferencing from a private vessel in Seattle's Lake Union to its Seattle campus. The Connexion by Boeing maritime solution is expected to be approximately ten times faster than most commonly deployed communications systems available today, and significantly less expensive to use. Details on system and service pricing will be announced closer to service launch.

Vessel operators and their passengers can use Connexion by Boeing to access the Internet and firewall-protected corporate intranets, send outgoing emails or open large attachments from incoming emails; get the news, weather or destination information; or view satellite television programming.

Boeing says the service "'will also enhance ship-to-shore communications for ship captains and crew -- providing new opportunities for long-distance learning, improve crew morale, remote monitoring of ships' systems and cargo, improved maintenance, and to make better routing decisions. All of these capabilities are expected to significantly improve the efficiency and safety of operations at sea."