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Maritime VSAT

The GEO backbone fleets still rely on: predictable contracts, committed bandwidth and mature QoS — perfect as a stable core or hybrid layer.

Maritime VSAT

Overview

VSAT over geostationary (GEO) satellites (36,000 km) remains the backbone of maritime communications. While latency is higher (~600 ms) and speeds are lower than LEO, VSAT offers what many operators value most: predictable OPEX, CIR bandwidth (1–16 Mbps), and decades of field‑proven reliability.

Technology & hardware

VSAT uses stabilized parabolic antennas (e.g., Intellian v100NX/v130NX, Cobham/SeaTel). Installations are more involved — 2–5+ days — with topside alignment, below‑deck equipment, line‑of‑sight planning and structured cabling. Once commissioned, service is steady on all major shipping routes.

Where it fits (real deployments)

  • Cruise & ferries: large user bases and predictable costs; unlimited traffic options.
  • Long‑haul cargo & tankers: contracted CIR channels for business apps and voice.
  • Offshore: baseline connectivity where budgets and reporting cycles demand stability.

Operations & lifecycle

VSAT contracts (12–36 months) enable straightforward budgeting. Mature QoS & shaping let us prioritize business apps, carve out crew VLANs, and preserve voice quality. Many fleets now run hybrid VSAT + LEO — VSAT as a guaranteed baseline, LEO for speed and user experience.

Limitations & when to go hybrid

High latency affects interactive tools (video calls, terminal sessions). For those workloads we recommend VSAT + Starlink/OneWeb with SD‑WAN rules that steer traffic by latency and application.

SatCast add‑ons (optional)

  • Maritime VoIP with regional numbering, jitter buffers and call policy controls.
  • Customer portal with live monitoring, usage analytics and incident timelines.
  • Crew internet accounting with voucher sales, quotas and comprehensive statistics.

Frequently asked questions

What coverage can I expect?

VSAT provides global GEO coverage with stable connectivity along all major shipping routes.

How long does installation take?

Full VSAT system installations (antenna + below-deck equipment) are typically completed within 2–5+ days in port.

What speeds and latency are typical?

CIR packages from 1/0.5 Mbps up to 16/4 Mbps. Latency ~600 ms due to GEO satellite distance.

Is regulatory approval required?

Yes, we ensure compliance with IMO, flag state, and class society requirements.

Can VSAT be combined with LEO systems?

Yes, many vessels use VSAT for baseline OPEX control and LEO (Starlink/OneWeb) for high-speed bursts.

What are the typical monthly costs?

VSAT offers predictable fixed OPEX with unlimited traffic and CIR guarantees. Prices vary by bandwidth plan.