VoIP Gateways

MTN (News - Alert) Communications announced the deployment of its advanced hybrid communications network on the newly launched Norwegian Getaway. The hybrid network facilitates communications both at sea and in port by enabling terrestrial and satellite connectivity to enable high performance of communications networks on the vessel. Norwegian Getaway has 1,600 crew onboard and can accommodate 4,000 guests. By deploying MTN hybrid network, the vessel is one of the first cruise liners to facilitate advanced communication solutions at sea and is operated by Norwegian Cruise Line.

In a release, Chris Leber, executive vice president, commercial business development at MTN, said “MTN and Norwegian Cruise Line are delivering another first, much like we did in the 1980s with the initial Internet access ever at sea. Since then, faster land-like connectivity has become clearly expected. However, the challenge has been staying ahead of demand, while dealing with the cost of adding more satellite bandwidth for guests and crew applications.”

MTN's advanced hybrid communications network is designed to meet all the communication needs on a vessel to enable cruise operators to focus only on their revenue-generating businesses. The MTN technology enables vessels to choose Satellite Broadband network when at sea and when anchored at the port, the vessels can switch over to MTN's Terrestrial Broadband Network for high-performance and speed.

Speaking of the decision to choose MTN network, Vincent Cirel, senior vice president and CIO of Norwegian Cruise Line, said “Norwegian Getaway is one of the most technologically advanced ships all around, including how guests and crew can communicate and access content. For example, with MTN's hybrid satellite and terrestrial network, we know our crew and guests will have the communications experience they expect, increasing guest satisfaction and crew morale.”

The deployment at Norwegian Getaway enables MTN to demonstrate the technological advancements to meet the growing demand for connectivity, speed and content. The shipboard data center of Norwegian Getaway is equipped with advanced processing technologies, which is leveraged by MTN to deliver unprecedented efficiency for television, Internet and crew calling services while the vessel is at sea.