IEC Telecom, a leading international yacht satellite service operator, has broadened its range of connectivity solutions for the yachting industry by introducing the latest Starlink V4 antenna. This cutting-edge antenna made its debut appearance at Palma International Boat Show 2024, which took place from 25th to 28th April.

The new V4 antenna boasts an IP67 waterproof rating and includes several add-ons, such as WiFi 6 and two Ethernet LAN ports for local network connections.

There is a notable surge in demand for connectivity within the yachting sector. Recent studies forecast that the global yacht market will hit USD $13.56 billion (c. €12.72 billion) by 2030, with a projected growth rate of 5.4% from 2022 to 2030. Several factors are fuelling this growth:

• Increasing reliance on the internet among yacht owners and guests, who now expect seamless access to social media, video calls, and streaming services just like they do at home.
• The trend of remote work, allowing individuals to conduct business activities from anywhere, including yachts, with uninterrupted access to essential applications.
• The integration of smart technology on board modern yachts, leading to a surge in data consumption.

IEC Telecom’s Xpand Portfolio addresses these connectivity needs by providing solutions tailored to deliver optimal user experiences via satellite, whether on a high-speed LEO network or a narrow-band L-band backup. Compatible with Starlink V4, Xpand opens up new possibilities for yacht owners.

Gwenaël Lohéac, group chief product officer at IEC Telecom, explained, “Since our partnership with Starlink began in January of last year, we’ve outfitted over 300 yachts with our hybrid solutions. We’re thrilled to introduce Starlink V4 to our Xpand portfolio, providing a convenient and cost-effective option for high-speed connectivity when the vessel is docked or at anchor.”

Opting for IEC Telecom’s Xpand solution, powered by Starlink, vessel owners get access to a wide range of value-added services. These include a guest voucher system, cybersecurity measures, 24/7 support, and more. Every setup can be tailored with a range of IEC Telecom applications, ensuring functionality even in low-bandwidth environments.

“We fully expect connectivity demands to continue to increase significantly in the yachting sector and we know we have the solution that can meet all those needs—and more,” he concluded.

For more information, visit IEC Telecom.

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Images courtesy of IEC Telecom.