Intellian Introduces Unique 60cm Class Antenna

Intellian Technologies, the world’s leading provider of maritime satellite communications and entertainment systems, will introduce the v65; a 60cm class Ku/Ka convertible satellite communications system at the pivotal Satellite 2017 show in Washington DC. The v65 is poised to drive adoption of new connectivity solutions in the mobility market by making access to both Ku- and Ka-band on the same antenna system simple and cost-effective.

In the maritime sector, digital transformation across the industry is a likely antidote to today’s challenging economic climate.  New satellites and services seem to emerge all the time, some operating in Ku-band and others in Ka-band. Fleet Managers are challenged with limited funds and the responsibility to choose a solution that enables the digital ship while delivering the best ROI.

“Conventional antenna technology forces a choice between one frequency or the other. CTOs and CFOs are risk averse by nature and want to avoid being limited in their ability to do what’s best for their business at any given time,” says Matthew Galston, Director of Strategic Marketing, Intellian. “Our new 65cm Ku/Ka convertible platform directly addresses this problem,” says Galston. A minimal investment in a compact conversion kit allows the v65 to move between Ku- and Ka-band operation in as little as 10 minutes.

With the best RF performance in its class, the v65 is built upon the same pedestal as Intellian’s GX60 terminal, which is currently deployed on vessels using Inmarsat’s Ka-band Fleet Xpress service. The introduction of the convertible v65 makes Intellian the world’s only manufacturer to offer both 1m and 65cm Ku/Ka convertible antenna systems. The company’s 1m platform is the world’s most popular maritime VSAT system, currently in operation across both frequencies, including on Inmarsat’s Global Xpress (GX) network.  In its Ka-band configuration the v65 is designed for use on GX as well.  “Looking forward, our entire portfolio of antenna systems will upgradable to GX, including the 80cm solution and the larger 1.5 and 2.4m antennas,” added Eric Sung, President & CEO, Intellian.

“The maritime market’s attention is shifting from finding the lowest available cost for connectivity to finding the best possible technology platform that drives a true digital transformation by using business applications in combination with our Inmarsat Gateway,” says Shane Rossbacher, SVP Business Development, Inmarsat Maritime. “This is what Fleet Xpress is all about, so for Intellian to help create an easy path to our solution is great news.” 

Marlink, another long time Intellian partner, is amongst the first to offer the v65 for use on their 60cm global Ku-band network.  As a key Value Added Reseller of the Fleet Xpress service, they also see great value in the convertible product.

“Marlink is committed to delivering the best solution for each of our customers, whatever that may be,” says Tore Morten Olsen, President of Marlink. “With offerings in both Ku- and Ka-bands, this is an ideal product to provide the kind of flexibility required by any global business.”

“Mobility has a lot of interesting and unique challenges,” says Eric Sung, President & CEO, Intellian.  “We are consistently at the forefront of solving key market problems. This new development is simply a continuation of that philosophy, which is something we intend to carry with us as we look to invest in other areas of the Mobility sector going forward,” concludes Sung.

Both the 65cm (in Ku-band configuration) and 1m (in Ka-band configuration) antenna systems will be available to view on the show floor at Satellite 2017 at booth #609.