Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is WaveCall?
WaveCall is a shared access, VSAT Ku-band, maritime service, which offers always-on Internet access and IP -based service. WaveCall is part of Marlinks portfolio of VSAT Solutions.

2. Is WaveCall a global service?

WaveCall is a global Ku-band service and Marlink provides coverage globally within the Ku-band footprint. Details are provided on Marlinks coverage maps found on the website, www.marlink.com.

3. How does it work?

WaveCall provides broadband connectivity via satellite between the vessel and the public Internet and Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The system performs similarly to a standard terrestrial voice and data network. An Ethernet port on the Below Deck Equipment (BDE) allows users to connect to a shipboard Local Area Network (LAN) or to stand-alone PC onboard. In addition, two RJ-11 analog FXS telephone port can be easily connected to a shipboard PBX or directly to onboard telephones.

4. Who can benefit from WaveCall?

Customers can benefit from the WaveCall service by having always -on Internet access for business and for crew morale. The service can increase productivity and provide communications to vessels at sea at a fixed monthly cost. The benefit to the owner is the vessels business never stops and the vessel stays connected with the main office. Arrival time, departure time and information pertaining to the vessel are just a phone call or email away. More customs and harbor authorities offer online application forms, which can be filled out onboard the ship and sent before the vessel reaches shore. Crew morale is key to a successful business. With todays online services, it is easier for crew members to take care of thei r family issues from sea. E-mailing makes it easy to pay bills, manage accounts, and keep in touch with friends and relatives. With news services, crew members can keep up to date with what is happening in all parts of the world. Crew members can also be trained onboard through the Internet and no longer have to spend their time on shore at training classes. With PSTN crew members can easily call family and friends and keep in touch with clear, reliable communications.

5. What equipment is needed?

WaveCall service utilizes a Sea Tel Ku-band 1 meter Antenna System. The current version from Sea Tel is the 4009, which recently replaced the 4006. The 4003 can be used as well.

6. What is included with the antenna?

The Above Deck Equipment (ADE) consists of a three axis stabilized antenna platform, 1 meter Ku-band antenna and a 60 (155 cm) radome. The Below Deck Equipment (BDE) consists of an Antenna Control Unit, Infiniti 5100 series antenna modem (configured by Marlink), VoIP adapter with QoS manager, two RJ-11 ports for analog phone and 2 RG6 100 coaxial cables.

7. Can WaveCall be used with a Sea Tel 6006 or a 6009 system?

Yes, the 6006 and the 6009 can be used with the WaveCall service.

FAQs

8. Can multiple users be online at one time?

Yes, someone can be on his or her computer at the same time that someone is on the phone.

9. What does shared access mean?

With shared access, multiple users are allocated common space and ground resources for provision of service. The end users actual throughput is dependent on the number of users accessing the common bandwidth simultaneously. Marlink monitors usage of the common pool of resources to ensure that acceptable quality of service is maintained.

10. What is always on?

Always on means that the service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without the need to dial -up or log on to use the service.

11. Is the vessel charged for the time their computer is online?
No, the vessel is charged a fixed monthly fee for Internet access, regardless of how much it is used.

12. What is Best Effort Service?

In a best effort network, all users obtain best effort service, meaning that they obtain unspecified variable bit rate up to the level subscribed to, and delivery time, depending on the current traffic load.

13. Is extra software needed?

No extra software or hardware is required for the WaveCall service other than what is supplied by Marlink.

14. What satellites does the service use?

Marlink uses a network of satellites from a wide variety of satellite operators. For coverage areas please see the coverage maps on www.marlink.com.

15. Where is support provided?

Support is provided 24 hours per day, 7 days a week from our Customer Care. Customer Care can be reached at +1 32 70 233 220 or toll free in the U.S. at 1 800-868-0403, or by email at customer.service@marlink.com.