Navitas Telecom, a provider of mobile GSM networks on board ships, ferries and other vessels, today announces it has signed a new major contract with Star Cruises, the world’s third largest cruise operator. Navitas is to provide maritime GSM services on board the majority of Star Cruises’ Asian fleet making it the leading maritime GSM provider in Asia. The partnership between Navitas and Star Cruises was first established in 2005, when a GSM network was installed on board the SuperStar Virgo.

With more than 12 million passengers using cruise ships each year, Star Cruises based in the Asia-Pacific region, represents a significant share of the market. They are recognised in the industry as leaders, winning various accolades including TTG Asia’s   ‘Best Cruise Operator in Asia-Pacific’ award for the tenth time.

Under the contract Navitas will provide GSM networks to the SuperStar Virgo, SuperStar Gemini, SuperStar Pisces and Superstar Libra. The Navitas GSM service enables passengers and crew to make and receive calls and SMS using their own mobile phone and telephone numbers via roaming, providing significant revenue opportunities.

Star Cruises said: “We are pleased to develop our relationship with Navitas because it enables us to provide added value for our guests. We look forward to offering all our customers a convenient way of keeping in touch with family, friends and business associates whilst on board our ships.” 

Bo Pinel from Navitas said: “We are delighted to be awarded this contract to provide GSM services to the Star Cruises fleet.  We look forward to providing leading edge communication solutions for the benefit of all their passengers and crew and welcome the opportunity to work with such a prestigious brand.”

Navitas Telecom, a trading name of Jersey Telecom, a licensed telecommunications operator, specialises in providing mobile networks and services in remote locations.  The service works by interconnecting an on board mobile network with traditional land based networks via a dedicated satellite connection. Navitas already has a good relationship with Star Cruises, having installed GSM networks on the SuperStar Virgo (in August 2005), SuperStar Gemini (in September 2006) and SuperStar Pisces (in July 2007).