Orbyt Global and Telenor Maritime announce a three-party partnership with Attica Group to provide passenger connectivity across their fleet. This includes Superfast Ferries, Blue Star Ferries, ANEK Lines, and Hellenic Seaways. Attica Group is the largest ferry operator in the world as per passenger capacity, operating more than 40 ships in the Mediterranean Sea.
Orbyt Global and Telenor Maritime will deliver connectivity services, mobile services and Wi-Fi to passengers and crew from a single hybrid connectivity platform to manage a range of technologies; the three-party contract covers end-to-end solutions for ship and passenger connectivity. It has been signed for five years with an option for a further five-year extension. The agreement includes a significant investment of 7 million Euros in capital expenditures, demonstrating the partnership’s dedication to improving the quality and reliability of maritime communications.
Panos Dikaios, CEO, Attica Group stated: “At Attica Group, our mission is to consistently exceed expectations. On-board connectivity is a top priority for both our passengers and crew, and access to reliable, high-speed internet is essential for staying connected. To meet this need, we are making substantial investments in digital infrastructure, providing a personalized experience for our passengers, through data and advanced technology. Simultaneously we’re enabling connectivity for our crew and their families, as well as the use of entertainment services when off-duty. Excellence, for us, means ensuring convenience at every stage of the journey. We’re excited to enhance on-board Wi-Fi through partnerships with leading maritime telecommunications providers like Orbyt Global and Telenor Maritime.”
Orbyt Global will provide high-speed/low-latency LEO Connectivity through Starlink, while Telenor Maritime’s Connectivity Platform will combine a suite of best-of-breed next-generation technologies, including LEO and GEO satellites, into one unified system. It automatically selects the best available and most cost-effective option in real time, whilst ensuring both the best passenger experience and optimized operational costs. All from one point of contact. The platform is designed to be flexible and compatible with a wide range of technologies and providers, allowing Attica to select whichever backhaul provider best suits their needs.
Theodoros Nikolopoulos, Group CEO and Founder, Orbyt Global Group stated: “Being chosen by the world’s largest passenger-carrying ferry operator is a coming-of-age moment for Orbyt Global. Not only have Attica Group expressed confidence in our capabilities to manage such a large and prestigious contract, but they have also recognised our combination of best-of-breed, next-generation technology and our support services, both of which underpin our market-leading platform, Orbyt Nexus. It’s an important step forwards for the dynamic development of our group.”
Telenor Maritime is a leader in specialized connectivity solutions for the maritime industry. Their mobile services support all technologies, from 2G to 5G and eSIMs, backed by over 400 global roaming partnerships to ensure seamless mobile coverage. Additionally, their solutions are 5G-ready, meaning that 5G roaming will be available onboard Attica’s fleet as operators roll out 5G roaming on their subscriptions.
Lars Erik Lunøe, CEO of Telenor Maritime, expresses his gratitude for the new partnership: “This three-party agreement marks a significant advancement for the maritime industry in the Mediterranean. By combining Telenor Maritime’s and Orbyt Global’s expertise and shared commitment to innovation, we are positioned to raise connectivity standards across the region’s ferry services.”.
‘Attica plays a crucial role in connecting communities across the Greek islands, as well as international traffic, and we admire their significant role.”, Lunøe notes. We are proud to be chosen as a partner by both Attica Group and Orbyt Global, and I look forward to a successful, long-term collaboration that will bring substantial benefits to our customers and the entire Mediterranean ferry market.”
Telenor Maritime’s Wi-Fi services will allow passengers to stay connected while at sea. Simple, pre-paid Wi-Fi packages can be purchased through an onboard digital portal on personal devices, offering easy access for internet browsing, streaming and social media. This portal, already used by several European ferry companies, enhances the overall passenger experience by keeping them connected and updated throughout their journey.
Orbyt Global and Telenor Maritime will manage the delivery and installation of equipment together, ensuring smooth integration. Orbyt Global’s local presence allows for native-language customer support, ensuring fast responses and efficient operations. Their technical expertise and strong global support complement Telenor Maritime’s decades of experience in maritime communications, making this partnership an ideal fit for delivering innovative and reliable solutions to the maritime sector.
With this contract, Orbyt Global strengthens its operation whilst Telenor Maritime strengthens its position in the Mediterranean market, following its nearly two decades of service in the ferry industry.
