[Satellite TODAY 09-21-10] Maritime communication and navigation systems Furuno has partnered with SpeedCast and Eutelsat to launch the VSAT KU-100 atenna, Furuno announced Sept. 20.
    Furuno has been developing the partnership for three years to launch the Ku-band antenna on SpeedCast and Eutelsat’s global satellite network. SpeedCast and Eutelsat also have linked 15 Ku-band satellite beams into an integrated, global coverage network to support Furuno’s SafeComNet service. This network aims to leverage advanced technologies such as automatic beam switching to deliver seamless connectivity across multiple satellite footprints.
    “As broadband connectivity becomes a core part of maritime operations across every segment of the industry, we continue to expand the coverage and capabilities of our maritime VSAT network to serve our customers better. Furuno’s extensive experience in maritime communications and its worldwide support presence is highly complementary with SpeedCast’ and Eutelsat’s network services capabilities, and allows us to deliver the best-in-class broadband communications service to maritime customers,” SpeedCast Vice President for Maritime and Offshore Services Nick Dukakis said in a statement.