St. Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands (PRWEB) June 17, 2015
O3b Networks today announced it has enabled high-speed broadband internet access and SMART Connect mobile service on Royal Caribbean International’s Anthem of the Seas with the O3bMaritime product while it is in the Mediterranean.
The use of O3b satellites, which are closer to the earth than traditional geostationary satellites, reduces latency, increases internet speed and improves voice and video quality for the user. O3b’s next generation IP trunking solution boosts existing link capacities to rival the affordability and latency of fiber.
The O3b system is uniquely designed for broad coverage. Because O3b is a constellation of satellites, when Royal Caribbean moves one of its top-of-the-line Oasis- or Quantum-class ships to another region around the world, the global O3b satellite constellation can provide its signature fiber-like throughput and low latency in the new location as well.
O3bMaritime has already provided four of Royal Caribbean’s largest ships (Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas), each with more bandwidth than the rest of the cruise industry combined. In the near future, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas will move across the Pacific, bringing exceptional cruising experiences and at-sea high speed broadband to the Japanese ports of Okinawa and Kyoto, as well as other Asian destinations.
“With O3b we have added a dimension to cruising that has never existed before,” said Michael Bayley, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “Our new internet capabilities allow our guests to surf, stream and share their vacation experiences with their friends and family back home. It also allows us to provide our business clientele a new way to stay connected with their colleagues.”
“We are honored to support Royal Caribbean’s innovative use of technology, and to bring this capability to guests in a new destination,” said Steve Collar, CEO of O3b. “By moving Anthem to the Mediterranean, Royal Caribbean will bring guests there the extraordinary level of instant connectivity that has thrilled Caribbean guests. Guests can tweet, post, Skype, stream video, even play Xbox with friends—just like they do at home—while cruising on Anthem.”
About O3b Networks Limited
O3b Networks Limited is a global satellite service provider operating a next-generation satellite network for telecommunications operators, Internet service providers, enterprise and government customers in emerging markets. The O3b system combines the global reach of satellite with the speed of a fiber‐optic network providing billions of consumers and businesses in nearly 180 countries with low‐cost, high‐speed, low latency Internet and mobile connectivity. O3b Networks’ investors include SES, Google, Liberty Global, HSBC Principal Investments, Northbridge Venture Partners, Allen & Company, Development Bank of Southern Africa, Sofina, Satya Capital and Luxempart. O3b Networks is headquartered in St. Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands.
About Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 45-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry “firsts” never before seen at sea. The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike. Onboard, guests are catered to with the cruise line’s world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service by every staff and crew member. Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 12 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards. The cruise line sails 23 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in Bermuda and the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, South America, Asia, and Australia and New Zealand. Media can stay up-to-date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter, and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers should call their travel agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.