Connexion by Boeing is the first satellite-based, high-speed Internet system that allows transoceanic maritime vessels access to information at transmission speeds significantly higher than those of existing maritime communications systems, the company explained in a statement. The company had previously signed an agreement with Teekay Shipping Corp. of the Bahamas to be the launch customer.

The service provides data rates up to 256 kilobits per second from the vessel to the satellite, and data rates up to 5 megabits per second from the satellite to the vessel. The high data rate enables multiple, simultaneous maritime users to access the Internet, corporate intranet and e-mail, as well as obtain additional information for vessel management such as weather, routing and port information.

Connexion by Boeing's maritime service offers 2,000 minutes of high-speed data connectivity, 100 minutes of voice service and access to Connexion's global live television lineup for $2,800 per month per ship, inclusive of equipment.

France Telecom will begin offering the Connexion service to to maritime companies around the world, starting immediately.

"We are gratified to be bringing to the maritime industry the advantages of innovative high-speed connectivity which Connexion by Boeing pioneered and brought to the aviation and aerospace market," said Sean Schwinn, director of Connexion by Boeing's maritime business.

"We are delighted to further strengthen our wide range of mobile satcom services for high-end users, an essential factor in catering for the varied needs of maritime professionals," said Erik Ceuppens, FTMSC's chief executive officer. "I am convinced that the close ties we have built internationally, combined with our solid experience in the maritime sector will allow us to match end users' needs for an innovative broadband solution."

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