Definition & Benefits
Airtime in maritime VSAT refers to the subscription service that enables your vessel’s VSAT terminal to transmit and receive data over Ku-band satellites. It’s the critical service layer that turns hardware into always-on connectivity, underpinning both operational systems and crew welfare applications.
Key Benefits:
- Guaranteed Bandwidth – Choose plans with a Committed Information Rate (CIR) for mission-critical performance or a Maximum Information Rate (MIR) for burst-capable throughput.
- Predictable Costs – Fixed-price, unlimited data packages simplify budgeting and eliminate overage charges.
- Global Coverage – Regional and global footprints ensure continuous connectivity, with seamless beam-switching as you traverse oceans.
- Hybrid Integration – Combine airtime with cellular, L-band, or emerging LEO services for automatic failover and cost optimisation.
Installation & Integration
Site Survey & Design:Assess vessel architecture for clear satellite visibility and optimal radome placement.
Network Integration:Configure VLANs, VPNs, and firewall policies for secure IP distribution; implement hybrid failover logic with cellular or L-band backups.
Hardware Deployment:Mount and align the Above Deck Unit (ADU) and connect the Below Deck Unit (BDU) modem/router, ensuring marine-grade integrity and proper grounding.
Commissioning & Training:Validate link performance, train onboard IT staff on bandwidth management dashboards and SLAs.
Technical Performance
Airtime plans directly influence your VSAT link performance:
- Speeds & Rates
- CIR guarantees from 2 Mbps up to 50 Mbps+; MIR-burst options for high-volume transfers.
- Latency
- Typical GEO latency of 600–800 ms; options to lower latency via MEO/LEO augmentation.
- Reliability
- SLAs with ≥ 99.9% uptime; built-in rain-fade margins and Adaptive Coding & Modulation (ACM) for signal stability under adverse weather.
- Coverage Flexibility
- Regional vs. global airtime plans; automatic beam-switching for uninterrupted service across multiple satellite footprints.
Cost Expectations
Airtime pricing reflects your required bandwidth, coverage scope, and SLA level. Rather than generic rates, we recommend you get a personalised quote tailored to your vessel profile and operational demands.
- Hardware & Installation
- Terminal & radome: $10,000–$40,000.
- Installation & commissioning: $1,000–$5,000.
- Terminal & radome: $10,000–$40,000.
- Airtime Plans
- Entry-level (basic CIR): $500–$1,000/month.
- High-throughput or global CIR: $2,000+/month.
- Entry-level (basic CIR): $500–$1,000/month.
Experience truly uninterrupted connectivity at sea. Let us tailor an airtime solution that meets your exact bandwidth, coverage, and budget requirements.
Use Cases
- Commercial Shipping – Real-time route optimisation, remote diagnostics, crew communications.
- Luxury Yachts – UHD streaming, remote work, integrated entertainment systems.
- Offshore Energy – Rig monitoring, video consultations, safety alerts.
- Fishing Fleets – Weather updates, market data, and telemedicine support.
- Expedition Vessels – Polar and remote operations with hybrid LEO/C-band augmentation.
Regulatory & Compliancce
ITU & National Coordination – Ensures interference-free operations.
Environmental Standards – Marine-rated equipment certified for salt spray, UV exposure, and extreme conditions.
SOLAS & STCW – Supports electronic reporting and crew welfare standards.
Encryption & Data Sovereignty – AES-256 VPN tunnels and customizable firewall policies for GDPR and corporate compliance.
FAQS
How long does airtime activation take?
Once you approve your tailored quote, provisioning and activation of your airtime service typically takes 5–10 business days. This timeline covers frequency coordination, network configuration, and SIM/card shipment to your vessel.
How does rain fade impact maritime airtime?
Ku-band signals (12–18 GHz) are susceptible to attenuation during heavy rain, as raindrops absorb and scatter the signal. This “rain fade” can reduce data rates or even cause temporary drops in connectivity. Providers counter this with rain-fade margins—transmitting at higher power—and Adaptive Coding & Modulation (ACM) to maintain a link, albeit at reduced throughput.
Are there metered or pay-as-you-go airtime options?
Yes. In addition to fixed-price, unlimited plans, many providers offer metered plans based on data consumption or time-based “vouchers.” These pay-as-you-go models can be more cost-effective for vessels with infrequent or highly variable internet usage.
What is network oversubscription, and how can it affect my Airtime speeds?
Some VSAT providers employ network oversubscription, meaning the total bandwidth sold to all users within a satellite beam can exceed the beam’s actual capacity. During peak usage, this can lead to contention and fluctuations in data speeds, potentially preventing vessels from consistently reaching their contracted MIR (Maximum Information Rate).