Elcome International LLC has announced the launch of WELCOME, a pay-as-you-go satellite internet service for ships and marine facilities around the world.
ISpecifically, WELCOME, which builds on Starlink’s global maritime services, provides high-speed, low-latency internet access at attractive pricing to crew and passengers without a fixed monthly fee.
What is Starlink?
Developed by SpaceX, Starlink is a satellite internet constellation that uses low Earth orbit to provide high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas around the world.
As explained, the new service will be available in all international and territorial waters of 70 countries, delivering up to 350 Mbps of bandwidth and average latency of less than 99 milliseconds.
Crew members can purchase data bundles or monthly subscriptions from as little as $3 using international and local credit cards, online wallets, and other payment methods.
We are pleased to introduce WELCOME, an innovative maritime internet service that will revolutionize the way ships and marine equipment stay connected at sea.
..Asneed Ameer, Senior Manager of Connectivity at Elcome, said:
Elcome is offering the Starlink Flat High Performance Kit free of charge to qualifying customers. This means crew members can benefit from her WELCOME without any initial investment or fixed monthly fees.
…Asneed Amer added.
With WELCOME, crew members can enjoy benefits such as roaming, allowing data purchased on a WELCOME-equipped vessel to be used on another vessel. This allows crew members to maintain seamless connectivity as they move between ships.
Additionally, Elcome partners with content and service providers to expand the reach of its products through WELCOME and enable it to further improve the crew experience.
Elcome has offices in 17 countries and more than 600 professionals supporting thousands of ship owners and operators around the world. The company has deployed approximately 1,500 maritime Starlink terminals in the past year and expects to deploy thousands more maritime Starlink terminals in 2024. Elcome’s existing maritime Starlink customers include leading companies in commercial maritime, oil and gas, defense, yachting, ferries and cruise. industry.
The service is scheduled to officially launch in May 2024 and will be available for use on ships and offshore facilities around the world.
As a reminder, the 2023 SEAFiT Crew study highlighted the critical importance of the internet in maintaining crew health. An overwhelming 91% of respondents emphasized that good internet access is essential to staying connected and communicating with family.
SAFETY4SEA launched the SAFETY4SEA petition, calling on industry stakeholders to join the movement for free internet at sea. You can sign the petition here.
