Addvalue Partners Globe Wireless To Roll Out A New Fleetbroadband System For Shipping

September 2, 2010

Addvalue Communications Pte Ltd, announced that Globe Wireless, which serves over 550 ship operators with over 10,000 ships using its products and services, has officially launched Globe iFusion service to the maritime industry. Globe iFusion is the next generation of maritime satellite communications – a solution designed specifically for IP satellite systems that fully integrates shipboard satellite communications, shoreside administrative control, GSM voice and data, and a comprehensive crew communications service.

Addvalue is proud to have partnered with Globe Wireless in the design and development of the Globe i250, the shipboard component of iFusion. Integrated into the Globe i250 is the FleetBroadband technology developed by Addvalue. The system is highly integrated, versatile and configurable to provide a total communication solution.

The Globe i250 allows the user to make voice calls using a GSM handset or normal fixed-line telephone, send/receive email and fax, browse the Internet, and up/down load files. It also allows users to access Globe Wireless commercial applications on the system. The total solution provided by this new Globe i250 system is a completely new way for shipping companies to manage communication with their ships.

Frank J Coles, President and CEO of Globe Wireless said, "We have entered a new phase in maritime communications. This solution fuses service, applications and support into a single solution. Addvalue has contributed greatly to the successful design and launch of iFusion, and we are looking forward to a rapid uptake of this innovative service. The solution includes a dual firewall, highly optimised IP connections, and multiple least-cost route gateways. It is ready for the future, including Ka services."

"We are delighted that within a short span of time, we have not only successfully developed such a complex customised product but have also shipped a significant number of the product to Globe Wireless for immediate deployment." said Dr Colin Chan, Chairman and CEO of Addvalue.

Added Dr Chan, "Although the Globe i250 solution is based on FleetBroadband technology, it offers versatility and capability unmatched by any of a standard FB250 terminal that is available in the market today."

The Globe i250 system was type approved by Inmarsat in August 2010 for commercial deployment. Addvalue has started to supply the quantities of Globe i250 systems to Globe Wireless in preparation for mass deployment in the coming months.