Telenor Maritime has entered into an agreement with Greek ferry operator Anek Lines to upgrade the mobile ecosystem onboard all of the company’s passenger ferries.
A connectivity platform with mobile, premium Wi-Fi, Ka-VSAT and mobile broadband backhaul will improve the digital value chain with services enhancing operational efficiency and the passenger’s onboard experience, Telenor said.
“This is an important step for Telenor Maritime’s service-expansion into the Mediterranean, and we are delighted to partner up with Anek Lines, the largest passenger shipping company in Greece,” said Lars Erik Lunøe, Telenor Maritime CEO.
Anek Lines is the first company to install the connectivity platform in Greece. High-speed connectivity is crucial for passenger’s experience quality, including where mobile devices are used for business purposes.
The Wi-Fi solution will enable passengers to stream, connect with colleagues and friends, as well as surf their social network accounts. Installation of the equipment will commence in the second quarter of 2019, with an expected completion in the fourth quarter of this year.
“Anek Lines focus on innovation and invest in a passenger-oriented approach, bringing a quality evolution into maritime transport, contributing to the development of the coastal shipping industry and establishing new routes in the Aegean and the Adriatic Sea.
“We have established our position as the leading power in coastal shipping through more than 50 years. The company is a key driver for economic, tourism, social and cultural development in Crete,” said Yannis Vardinoyannis, Anek Lines managing director.
“We are observing the coming technological revolution in the maritime business with its digital transformation, giving us opportunities of additional operational benefits and new revenue streams” Mr Vardinoyannis continues.
“Mobile operators and technology have, through time, transformed how businesses operate. A state-of-the-art high-speed network will facilitate Anek Lines to carry out more innovation and efficiency improvement, benefitting from high-speed mobile coverage, with improved communications,” Lars Erik Lunøe concludes.
