Stena Line invests in satellite communication

Stena Line invests in satellite communication Stena Line has entered a five year deal with Telenor worth SEK 90 million for satellite communication for around 30 vessels in the company's fleet. With satellite communication onboard the vessels, Stena Line can provide improved service for passengers including the possibility of staying in contact with land both via the internet and telephone irrespective of where the vessel is. "Installing satellite communication on all our vessels means we can significantly improve our service for passengers by providing better access to information. Satellite communication gives passengers the opportunity to use email, internet and telephony services as well as gaining access to our booking system. It will also be possible to hold video and internet conferences and there are plans to provide GSM services in future so that mobile phones can be used throughout the journey," says Hans Björkborg, IT manager at Stena Line. "Satellite communication improves credit card services by enabling payment using various cards and in future it will allow cash dispensers (ATMs) to be accessed. Eventually it will also be possible to watch TV onboard, something that has been requested by our customers for a long time. It will also be easier for freight customers to find out exactly where their goods are in the transport chain," he continues. Satellite communication doesn't only have a positive impact on customers, it is also very important for Stena Line internally because ship to shore communication is significantly improved. For example, it means that staff onboard have constant access to all the IT system, information is always available, and the storage and ordering systems become more effective. The telephone system will be modernised and based on digital technology, which provides substantially better quality and access. Stena Line is investing in state-of-the-art satellite communication and in a project of this size the choice of strategic partner is essential. For this project Stena Line has chosen the Norwegian company Telenor. "We drew up a specification of requirements stating what the system would be used for. It was crucial that the company chosen should understand our needs, and Telenor won the contract thanks mainly to their knowledge of the ferry industry and their understanding of Stena Line's specific demands," explains Hans Björkborg. Stena Line will carry out pilot installations on four of its vessels during the autumn and by the end of next year all vessels in Stena Line's fleet will be equipped with satellite communication. Stena Line Göteborg, Sweden, 26 September 2001 For more information please contact: Joakim Kenndal, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, tel. no: +46 31 85 81 80, mobile: +46 704 85 85 55. ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2001/09/26/20010926BIT01020/bit0002.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2001/09/26/20010926BIT01020/bit0002.pdf