Optus partner brings data streaming to Tassie ferries

Electrotech has connected the Spirit of Tasmania ferries to Optus satellites for satellite data streaming services.

Two vessels have telemetry services connecting ferry to in-land staff, while also providing internet access to customers.

Optus Satellite vice president Paul Sheridan said enhanced customer experience – particularly for the end customer – had been a great challenge.

Each vessel was fiited with a SeaTel 6012-33 VSAT system, with the service distributed on board via wi-fi. The 6012 is a 3-Axis marine stabilised antenna system compatible with Ku-band satellites.

"Ensuring a purpose-built design for this enterprise solution, rather than a re-purposed consumer internet solution was a critical success factor," said Electrotech’s managing director, Stephen Renkert.

Renkert added that the wideband internet "opens up a wide range of possible commercial services TT Line are now able to offer their customers".

A spokesperson for the Spirit of Tasmania said it was too early to comment on the service.

This is the first wholesale partnership between Electrotech and Optus Satellite.

According to Optus, the marine communications provider will use Optus satellite bandwidth capacity for their customers.

Optus Satellite has six satellites currently in geostationary orbit, which are utilised to deliver TV, mobile telephony and broadband services across Australia and New Zealand.