Wifi services will be available on all of the line's ferries sailing in the Canary Islands
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Buzz Marine is to supply nine HubbaX4 Go marine broadband devices for Fred. Olsen Line’s high-speed catamaran ferries, which operate between the Canary Islands.
Designed specifically for the marine environment, the HubbaX4 Go is a flexible system that operates on 4G, 3G or 2G networks to provide crew and passengers with download speeds of up to 80 megabytes per second. Up to 32 wifi devices can use the system simultaneously, while the antenna is connected to a router located below deck to create a wifi hotspot.
The new HubbaX4 Go system has a multi-directional MIMO antenna to provide uninterrupted connection to mobile broadband services for passengers and crew, providing a cost-effective alternative to maritime satellite communications.
Already in operation onboard Bonanza Express, Bocayna Express, Bentago Express and Bencomo Express, the HubbaX4 Go equipment will soon be installed on the 126m multi-hull ferry Benchijigua Express.
“This is a significant installation for us as these vessels operate an important high-speed link between the islands, some of which are up to 100 minutes passage time travelling at up to 38 knots,” said Steve Smith, managing director of Buzz Marine. “Initial results have shown the HubbaX4 Go to be highly effective in this environment so we are delighted that the flag ship of the fleet the “Benchijigua Express” will also now carry our HubbaX4 Go. We have had considerable interest in the HubbaX4 from other coastal operators around the world.”
Buzz Marine has also developed the HubbaX4 Duo, a more complex system configured for vessels travelling across international borders and those which carry a VSAT terminal. The HubbaX4 Duo has a VSAT failover facility which enables the lower cost, faster download of the HubbaX4 Duo to seamlessly take precedence when in range of a mobile connection, which significantly reduces the operator’s communication costs. The solution also provides a dual SIM facility for vessels that operate across international borders and multiple mobile providers.