Intellian has introduced its C700 Iridium Certus® maritime terminal, designed to set a new standard in maritime communication technology. The terminal, notable for its advanced radio frequency (RF) capabilities, offers default uplink speeds of 352kbps and downlink speeds of 704kbps. This performance is achieved using an innovative 12-patch phased array antenna, which enhances RF efficiency even at low elevation angles.
Advanced Functionality
The C700 facilitates simultaneous operation of up to three low-latency phone lines, supported by its robust solid-state antenna that comes without moving parts and requires no scheduled maintenance. It is versatile enough to serve as a primary communication system or complement a VSAT setup, providing redundancy options for its users. The Below Deck Unit (BDU) is equipped with features such as a firewall, IP PBX, WAN port, and built-in Wi-Fi, made for immediate deployment without extra cost. The C700's reliability and connectivity also position it as a suitable platform for future safety services, including the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).
Streamlined Setup
The C700 promises ease of installation both in design and during the commissioning process. Available in a lightweight form suitable for mounting on a bulkhead or within a 19-inch rack, the unit can be carried and installed by a single technician. Additionally, the inclusion of AptusLX software within the system ensures a smooth setup experience.
Global Connectivity
Wouter Deknopper, Vice President and General Manager of Maritime at Iridium, highlights the C700 as a primary communication tool, especially for vessel owners hesitant about VSAT due to budget, space, or coverage concerns. He notes the terminal performs effectively as a VSAT companion, integrating LEO with GEO capabilities, and providing a robust hybrid system. Deknopper also mentions flexible airtime packages as a key offering for Intellian customers facing industry uncertainties.
L-Band Advantage
The C700 leverages L-band's resistance to atmospheric interference, employing a 12-element antenna to ensure optimal data and voice connections. According to Troels Christensen, Product Manager, EMEA at Intellian, the terminal maintains exceptional signal stability even in turbulent conditions. Alongside multiple high-quality voice lines, the C700 is covered by Intellian's global support network and comes with a three-year warranty for parts and labor.
Retrofitting Advantage
Christensen points out that the C700 can be retrofitted using existing vessel components such as mast mounts and power supplies, thereby reducing installation costs. With Iridium Certus offering global coverage, including at the poles, the C700 presents itself as a cost-effective solution for vessels of all sizes.
Eric Sung, CEO of Intellian Technologies, expresses confidence in their partnership with Iridium, stating, "We’re delighted to partner with Iridium and believe our C700 is a great addition to our innovative maritime product portfolio. The new C700 antenna is a great choice for multiple customer segments, delivering an affordable solution which leads the market in speed and functionality."
Intellian’s eagerly-awaited C700 Iridium Certus® maritime terminal has now been launched and is expected to quickly secure a reputation as the most powerful and technically advanced Iridium Certus® terminal on the market.
With its best-in-class RF performance, the C700 can deliver out-of-the-box uplink speeds of 352kbps and downlink speeds of 704kbps by default, with equally impressive low-elevation-angle RF efficiency thanks to its unique 12-patch phased array antenna technology.
Advanced Functionality
It will support three high-quality, low-latency phone lines simultaneously; and as a solid-state antenna with no moving parts inside, the C700 is especially robust, requiring no scheduled maintenance over its lifetime.
The advanced performance of the C700 provides customers across all markets with the flexibility to deploy it as the primary communication antenna or as a companion to a VSAT system for seamless redundancy.
For primary communications, the Below Deck Unit (BDU) incorporates key features which make it ready to deploy without additional cost, including firewall, IP PBX, WAN port and built-in Wi-Fi.
Hardware and software functions such as these, incorporated into the system, make the C700 the most powerful, feature-rich L-band solution on the market, delivering best in class performance and functionality. The innate stability and reliable connectivity afforded by the C700 also make it an ideal platform for future safety services, including the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).
Streamlined Setup
The C700 delivers installation efficiency both through the product design and the commissioning process. The BDU, weighing approximately 1.2kg, is available as a standalone bulkhead mount system or a 19” all-in-one rack-mount version.
With its small, lightweight and space-saving form factor, the C700 can be carried on board by just one technician or crew member for rapid and low-cost installation. Once the C700 is installed, the built-in, user-friendly AptusLX software enhances the commissioning and setup experience of customers and partners.
Global Connectivity
Wouter Deknopper, Vice President and General Manager of Maritime, Iridium, observes: “Many vessel owners and operators may decide against VSAT for budgetary reasons, lack of deck space or the absence of adequate coverage on their voyage routes, so Iridium Certus is ideal as a primary means of communication, supported by the ease of upgrading to the C700 from an existing system.”
“Iridium Certus also excels as a VSAT companion, combining the benefits of LEO with GEO, and L-band with Ku-band. VSAT can suffer from certain degradations and also isn’t global. That’s where you need a strong hybrid system, and Intellian of course is a highly respected manufacturer of maritime VSAT antennas and the new C700, so it is in a strong position to offer a very competitive turnkey hybrid package on the market.”
“The flexibility of the airtime packages Iridium and our partners offer for Intellian customers is also an essential consideration in such uncertain times for the shipping industry and beyond.”
L-Band Advantage
L-band is particularly resistant to rain fade and other forms of atmospheric interference, and the C700’s 12-element antenna arrangement is designed to supply rapid and efficient tracking performance, leading to optimal high-speed data and voice connections.
Troels Christensen, Product Manager, EMEA, Intellian, explains: “The signal stability is exceptional even on fast boats or smaller vessels in rough seas, where you may experience heavy pitch and roll.”
An attractive proposition for crew communications with its multiple high-quality voice lines, the C700 is also protected with Intellian’s international support and service network infrastructure, and comes with a three-year warranty for parts and labor.
Retrofitting Advantage
“The fact that it can be retrofitted by reusing a vessel’s old mast mount, cables and power supply saves additional time and money,” adds Mr. Christensen.
“There’s no need for extra boxes, there are no hidden costs, and Iridium Certus provides truly global coverage, even at the poles, so the C700 is an L-band innovation that pays ample dividends not just for smaller vessels, but right across the board.”
Eric Sung, CEO, Intellian Technologies, concludes: “We’re delighted to partner with Iridium and believe our C700 is a great addition to our innovative maritime product portfolio. The new C700 antenna is a great choice for multiple customer segments, delivering an affordable solution which leads the market in speed and functionality.”
