Connexion by Boeing has revealed that France Telecom Mobile
Satellite Communications has been selected as the first sales associate to
offer the Connexion by Boeing maritime high-speed connectivity service to
the commercial shipping industry.
Connexion by Boeing is the first satellite-based, high-speed Internet
system which allows transoceanic maritime vessels access to information
they need at speeds significantly higher than those of existing maritime
communications systems. The service provides data rates up to 256 kbps
from the vessel to the satellite and data rates up to 5 mbps from the
satellite to the vessel. The high data rate enables multiple, simultaneous
maritime users to access the Internet, corporate intranet, and e-mail, as
well as obtain additional information for vessel management such as
weather, routing and port information.

Connexion by Boeing’s maritime service offers 2,000 minutes of high-speed
data connectivity, 100 minutes of voice service, and access to the
Connexion by Boeing global live television lineup for $2,800 per month per
ship, inclusive of equipment.

France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications will leverage its strong
sales network to supply maritime companies around the world with the
Connexion by Boeing solution. France Telecom Mobile Satellite
Communications will begin offering the Connexion by Boeing maritime
service immediately.

“We are gratified to be bringing to the maritime industry the advantages
of innovative high-speed connectivity which Connexion by Boeing
pioneered and brought to the aviation and aerospace market,” said Sean
Schwinn, director of Connexion by Boeing’s maritime business. “It is an
exciting time for Connexion by Boeing and we are pleased to have France
Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications join us as our first maritime sales
associate. Their global presence and reputation for innovation is a perfect
complement to our global, high speed, and affordable service.”

“We are delighted to further strengthen our wide range of mobile satcom
services for high-end users, an essential factor in catering for the varied
needs of maritime professionals,” said Erik Ceuppens, CEO of France
Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications.  “I am convinced that the close
ties we have built internationally, combined with our solid experience in
the maritime sector will allow us to match end users’ needs for an
innovative broadband solution.”

The announcement of the first Connexion by Boeing maritime sales
associate follows an eventful year in 2005 for the Connexion by Boeing
maritime offering, which saw the unveiling of pricing for the maritime
service, as well as an agreement with Teekay Shipping to be the launch
customer for the maritime service.
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