Altobridge, a leading remote communications company, and Blue
Ocean Wireless (LSE:ISAT), an Irish company focused on delivering GSM
communication capability for the merchant maritime sector, today
announced that Altobridge has exclusively licensed its remote
communications technology to Blue Ocean Wireless, for merchant
maritime applications. Blue Ocean Wireless is a joint venture between
Altobridge and private investment firm, Claret Capital.
The Altobridge patented technology, the Aeronautical & Maritime
(AM) Gateway(TM) platform, enables personal communications coverage on
ships in deep ocean water, at affordable rates. The onboard wireless
network connects to a land-based wireless network via the ship's
Inmarsat satellite system. The groundbreaking Altobridge AM Gateway
platform architecture is unique in that it does not necessitate a
permanent satellite connection.
Using this technology Blue Ocean Wireless will, together with
Inmarsat, a leading Inmarsat LESO partner and a leading GSM network
operator, provide a dedicated global GSM service for crew members of
merchant ships. Blue Ocean Wireless' service will, for the first time,
enable seafarers to use their existing mobile phones on board vessels
in deep ocean water in exactly the same way that they would do in port
or on land. Blue Ocean Wireless will also enable ship owners, insurers
and government authorities, as well as suppliers and customers, to
track and monitor individual containers on board merchant vessels as
they traverse the globe using a combination of GPRS and RFID
technology.
Altobridge CEO, Mike FitzGerald said, "Following four years of
extensive R&D we have found the right platform to commercialise our
award-winning technology. Blue Ocean Wireless possesses the vision to
secure a global lead in crew communications, and maritime security and
tracking."
Robert Johnson, CEO of Blue Ocean Wireless, commented, "We are
delighted to announce that Blue Ocean Wireless will lead the exclusive
development of mobile crew calling and container tracking using
Altobridge's unique remote communications technology."
He added, "We have a very exciting proposition, which will
revolutionise communication for crews of merchant maritime ships. It
will also benefit merchant maritime companies and their ability to
manage and enhance the well-being of their employees."
About Altobridge
Altobridge is focused on delivering cost-effective communications
for remote communities, including rural villages, seafarers, airline
travellers and the world's military, navy and coastguard. Altobridge's
technology has also been licensed by AeroMobile, a joint venture
between Telenor and ARINC, to provide the world's first operational
on-board aircraft mobile phone system.
About Blue Ocean Wireless
Blue Ocean Wireless is an Irish company focused on expanding
communication capability in the merchant maritime sector. Blue Ocean
Wireless provides, for the first time, GSM connectivity for seafarers
in deep ocean water, where no other network exists. This allows users
to make and receive voice calls, send and receive SMS text messages
and, in time, browse the internet using their existing handsets. Blue
Ocean Wireless' offering is based on Altobridge's unique 'Aeronautical
& Maritime Gateway Platform'(TM) technology. This technology can also
be used, in conjunction with RFID technology, to track and monitor
shipping containers while they are in transit at sea.
About Claret Capital
Claret Capital, founded by Domhnal Slattery in 2005, is a private
investment firm based in Dublin, Ireland. Claret Capital manages the
assets of a small number of ultra high net worth individuals and
families and has a global investment mandate. The firm has completed
investments in the Private Equity, Real Estate, Media and Technology
sectors. Claret Capital has also founded a number of new ventures
including JetBird, Europe's first low-cost, on-demand private jet
airline. JetBird has ordered 100 aircraft from Embraer and is the
launch customer in Europe for the Phenom 100 very light jet.
