MTN Communications has announced its partner, Norwegian Cruise Line, is pioneering the new iDirect X7 high-performance satellite modem on its Norwegian Breakaway.

MTN installed the X7 after a six-month test process in its Miramar, Fla. engineering lab.

The modem has dramatically improved the efficiency and throughput of the vessel’s communications system, enabling the most cutting-edge Internet service at sea.

“Norwegian strives to deliver an unparalleled connectivity experience to passengers and crew,” said Vincent Cirel, senior vice president and CIO, Norwegian Cruise Line.

“We are excited to partner with MTN to leverage the industry’s newest technology.  We were thrilled to be the testbed for the X7.  It has performed extremely well and will be a cornerstone to support the insatiable demand for the high-throughput Internet, TV, voice and app services on our ships.”

“MTN knew it could turn to Norwegian Cruise Line, an early technology adopter, for validation of X7 performance,” said Dave Bettinger, CTO, iDirect.

“This leading cruise operator drives some of the most demanding broadband requirements for ships at sea, pushing MTN’s robust network to the limit. The X7 is the most advanced satellite modem we have ever developed. We were very excited to put it to the ultimate test – on a cruise ship with upwards of 6,000 passengers and crew, with thousands of mobile devices.”

The X7 is a key component of MTN’s strategy to transform communications at sea because it:

• Enables dramatically more throughput, with speeds up to 100 Mbps
• Delivers unprecedented availability and efficiency through advanced adaptive modulation techniques
• Enhanced beam switching through faster network acquisition
• Is optimized for MTN’s high-throughput multi spotbeam (HTMS) satellite platform starting in 2015

“MTN has a proud history of partnering with industry trailblazers that challenge us to push the boundaries in maritime communications,” said Kevin McCarthy, COO, MTN.  “We are excited that Norwegian and iDirect have joined us in this quest. As our MTN Nexus™ next-generation hybrid communications ecosystem becomes a reality this year, the X7 will play a critical role. We will start deploying X7 modems on many vessels for partners, such as Norwegian, that share our passion for, and commitment to, transforming communications at sea.”