Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions about maritime satellite internet: Starlink, OneWeb, and VSAT.
What satellite options are available for vessels today?
The main technologies are LEO (Starlink, OneWeb) and GEO (VSAT). Each has different speed, latency, and cost models. Many fleets use hybrid setups for redundancy.
What coverage can I expect on my route?
Starlink: near-global, including high latitudes. OneWeb: global with strong polar coverage. VSAT: GEO footprints covering major shipping routes worldwide.
How long does installation take?
Starlink: 1–3 days in port. OneWeb: 2–4 days. VSAT: 2–5+ days due to antenna and below-deck equipment.
What speeds and latency are typical?
- Starlink: up to 400 Mbps, 20–50 ms latency
- OneWeb: 100–200 Mbps, 30–75 ms latency
- VSAT: 1–16 Mbps CIR, ~600 ms latency
Is regulatory approval required?
Yes. All equipment must comply with IMO, flag state, and class society standards. We provide certified installations.
Can I combine different satellite systems?
Yes. Hybrid SD-WAN setups combine VSAT and LEO (Starlink/OneWeb) for redundancy, bandwidth optimization, and cost control.
What are the typical monthly costs?
Starlink: from a few hundred EUR/month. OneWeb: enterprise CIR plans from a few thousand EUR/month. VSAT: predictable OPEX with unlimited traffic, price depends on bandwidth.
How does 24/7 support work?
Our Network Operations Center (NOC) monitors connections around the clock and provides SLA-based incident response.
Can the system provide crew internet access?
Yes. We configure separate VLANs, quotas, and QoS rules to separate crew traffic from business-critical communications.
Is satellite TV available on board?
Yes. We can integrate TVRO antennas alongside internet terminals for global TV coverage.
What hardware is required?
Starlink uses compact flat-panel terminals. OneWeb requires stabilized maritime antennas. VSAT uses proven GEO dishes (e.g., Intellian v100NX/v130NX).
How secure are these networks?
All services support encrypted connections. OneWeb and VSAT also offer enterprise security options, traffic management, and VPN integration.
Can I switch between providers?
Yes. Systems are modular. We can reconfigure your onboard network for Starlink, OneWeb, VSAT, or hybrid use depending on project needs.
How is billing handled?
LEO plans are billed monthly with flexible upgrades. VSAT is usually on long-term contracts with fixed monthly OPEX.
Which solution is best for my vessel type?
Fishing and offshore: Starlink (low cost, high speed). Cargo and tankers: OneWeb or hybrid (reliability, SLA). Cruise ships and yachts: VSAT + Starlink for balanced OPEX and performance.