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More than maritime connectivity, Nelco’s new move has a lot more to offer (Article)
Connectivity in Indian waters is set to bring in a new wave in the way maritime organisations conduct their business. From life-saving communication to monitoring to effective enterprise resource planning, enhanced productivity, and predictive maintenance enabled by artificial intelligence and machine learning, the benefits are many.
Nelco entered into unchartered territory when it obtained a licence to provide maritime connectivity from Department of Telecommunications in March this year. Before this, Indian waters were devoid of satellite connectivity. Indian maritime businesses could not use internet while at sea and foreign businesses has to shut their VSAT connectivity when entering Indian territory.
In a path-breaking move, Nelco is now joining hands with various global remote communication and IT solutions players to open up Indian waters to foreign businesses, along with enabling Indian businesses to leverage VSAT connectivity outside of the country. Essentially, with such partnership, vessels of either companies will be able to connect to the Ku-band networks of both companies seamlessly in and out of Indian waters.
But that is not it. Nelco has a lot more up its sleeve for its maritime customers. In addition to satellite connectivity, global partnerships will bring a lot of crucial services to businesses.
Every business needs secure connections to run its mission-critical applications. Nelco will provide businesses robust cyber security tools along with VSAT connectivity. Maritime organisations will be able to filter content, identify system vulnerabilities, monitor and manage insider and outsider threats, and defend networks. Solution capabilities are also built to help businesses meet stringent regulatory requirements.
Shipping and cruise businesses can provide superior customer experience to passengers with on-demand entertainment offering. These services can be used onshore and offshore. The end-to-end content solution offers movies, television series, games, music, and more to keep guests entertained and engaged throughout the journey.
Businesses will get the opportunity to leverage new-age inbuilt data and voice solutions that can help meet any and all onboard communication requirements. These are also highly customisable to help organisations perform day-to day operations, communicate with the head office and other vessels, transfer large amounts of data, plan and manage inventory, and more. These disruptive applications also use business intelligence to analyse data and enable informed business decisions.
Staying away from friends and family for large amounts of time can affect the morale of the crew. A live video transport service can enrich the lives of crew members of cruises and employees of shipping businesses. This offering can enable them to utilise reliable, low latency broadcast services to beat loneliness and stay connected to their loved ones anytime, anywhere.
There is no doubt that VSAT connectivity can transform maritime businesses. These added offerings can be the differentiator between just connectivity and a comprehensive, cohesive business solution.
