[Satellite TODAY 03-19-10] Thuraya is partnering with Comtech to develop an advanced broadband terminal for the maritime industry set for launch in September, the companies announced March 18.

The partnership will use Thuraya’s satellite network covering the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Mediterranean, Arabian Sea, North Sea, Baltic Sea, large parts of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and international waters in the Asia Pacific, with Comtech’s technology development and production abilities. 

The Comtech maritime terminal will aim to provide voice and broadband services at speeds up to 444 kilobits per second (kbps) with access to video streaming at speeds of 384 kbps at sea. The new solution will have a separate, small omni-directional antenna for connectivity to the satellite regardless of vessel movements.

“The technology used for this new maritime terminal is very advanced and the outcome will be a superior marine grade solution that will develop Thuraya’s standing in the maritime sector,” Comtech Mobile Data President Dan Wood said in a statement.