Maritime Communications Partner (MCP) has strengthened its foothold in the Mediterranean through a major turnkey telecommunications contract with Corsica & Sardinia Ferries, one of Italy’s most prestigious ferry operators
The five-year contract covers Mobile Telephony, Mobile Internet, WiFi and VSAT for eight passenger ferries and plays a key role in supporting Corsica’s ongoing aims to provide crew and passengers with competitive wireless communications backed by a highly reliable quality cellular network.
Corsica & Sardinia Ferries are one of the biggest operators on the Western Mediterranean Sea transporting about 3.5 million passengers annually aboard their ferries running to and from France and Italy to Corsica and Sardinia.
MCP, the leading onboard communications partner, will transform Corsica’s onboard communication to a premium mobile telecoms service ready for the next generation voice and data services.
“Corsica & Sardinia Ferries is choosing avant-garde communications technology and securing the most reliable end-to-end wireless service available to the passenger ferry market. Upgrading each vessel’s communications system will have a positive impact on Corsica’s passenger satisfaction and fleet operation” said Pierre Mattei CEO, Corsica & Sardinia Ferries.
The contract includes the supply of network equipment and design, engineering and product management, system integration and operations. MCP’s network connects through the VSAT satellite communications system to a terrestrial gateway that routes calls and data to and from the fixed telecommunications network.
MCP’s mobile network is switched on and off two nautical miles from shore. Passengers may roam this network, use voice and data services, including messaging, MMS, mail, mobile Internet and Blackberry services.
According to MCP, Mediterranean ferry operators face a growing demand for reliable wireless access by passengers and commuters wishing to take advantage of the Internet and other communication services. Wireless trends are surging and upbeat ferry operators must be highly adaptable to the mobile social networking revolution.
“This contract is a vote of confidence in MCP, giving us a solid platform for expansion in the Mediterranean ferry markets,” said Eivind Madsen CEO, MCP.
In keeping with its commitment to be the leading onboard communications partner to the cruise and ferry industry, MCP worked with Corsica & Sardinia Ferries to integrate a reliable, customized network and service for their ferry operation. The Corsica & Sardinia Ferries contract further cements MCP’s reputation as the trusted service and technology partner offering reliable service worldwide and hassle free roaming.
“Corsica & Sardinia Ferries is a detailed, professional operator and benchmarked us against other industry competitors. Corsica & Sardinia Ferries contacted our clients to confirm our track record and promise of quality services and equipment needed to run their business. From the start we have been totally transparent and shown – through other European ferry operators – that we deliver top services and what we say,” says Eivind Madsen CEO, MCP.
MCP engineers, together with local agent VBS Italy, start site surveys in this month and expect total VSAT, cellular and equipment installation completed and in operation for the first vessels in October.
Pierre Mattei of Corsica & Sardinia Ferries, said: “Our decision to choose MCP as a partner for our wireless communication needs, reaffirms the value of MCP’s expertise in maritime wireless technology-orientated solutions and services. I am convinced that their technology and network, along with at-sea mobile convergence solutions and services, will contribute significantly to Corsica’s position as a leading ferry operator.”
Corsica & Sardinia Ferries will use the MCP network for real-time connection of its headquarters, thereby streamlining fleet operation logistics, monitoring and managing onboard sales and providing even better service management and optimization.
