Intellian has officially launched its much-anticipated C700 Iridium Certus® maritime terminal. This product is expected to quickly establish itself due to its robust performance capabilities. The C700 is notable for its advanced RF performance, offering default uplink speeds of 352kbps and downlink speeds of 704kbps. This is achieved through the innovative 12-patch phased array antenna technology that ensures exceptional low-elevation-angle RF efficiency.
Advanced Functionality
The C700 supports three high-quality, low-latency phone lines simultaneously. Being a solid-state antenna with no internal moving parts, it boasts a durable build requiring no scheduled maintenance. Its flexible application is a major selling point, as the C700 can function as either a primary communication antenna or a backup for VSAT systems, thereby providing seamless redundancy options.
For users opting for primary communication, the Below Deck Unit (BDU) is equipped with features designed for cost-effective deployment, such as a firewall, IP PBX, WAN port, and built-in Wi-Fi. These hardware and software integrations make the C700 a noteworthy L-band solution, suitable for current and emerging connectivity and safety services like the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).
Streamlined Setup
The C700 provides ease of installation owing to its user-centric design and commissioning process. The BDU weighs approximately 1.2kg and is available either as a standalone bulkhead mount system or a 19-inch all-in-one rack-mount version. Its lightweight and compact design allow it to be easily carried by a single technician, facilitating quick installation. Additionally, the AptusLX software streamlines the commissioning and setup experience for both customers and partners.
Global Connectivity
Wouter Deknopper, Vice President and General Manager of Maritime at Iridium, remarks that many vessel operators might shy away from VSAT due to budget constraints, limited deck space, or inadequate coverage. In such scenarios, Iridium Certus becomes an ideal primary communication option, and upgrading to the C700 from an existing system is straightforward.
"Iridium Certus also excels as a VSAT companion, combining the benefits of LEO with GEO, and L-band with Ku-band," says Deknopper. "While VSAT can face certain limitations, an integrated hybrid system offers strong, reliable coverage, which is essential given Intellian's strong position in maritime VSAT antennas." The airtime flexibility offered by Iridium and partners provides added value during uncertain economic times.
L-Band Advantage
L-band technology offers resistance to rain fade and atmospheric interference, with the C700's 12-element antenna providing rapid tracking and efficient performance. This results in optimal high-speed data and voice communications. Troels Christensen, Product Manager for EMEA at Intellian, notes the signal stability is remarkable even on smaller vessels in rough seas.
The C700 also comes with multiple high-quality voice lines, backed by Intellian's international support and a three-year parts and labour warranty.
Retrofitting Advantage
The C700 can be retrofitted easily by utilising existing mounts and power supplies, saving both time and costs. Christensen adds, "There’s no need for additional boxes, and Iridium Certus provides global coverage, even at the poles, making the C700 a versatile L-band solution for a variety of vessels."
Eric Sung, CEO of Intellian Technologies, comments on the successful partnership with Iridium, stating, "We’re delighted to partner with Iridium and believe our C700 is a great addition to our innovative maritime product portfolio. The new C700 antenna is a great choice for multiple customer segments, offering an affordable, high-speed solution."
Intellian’s eagerly-awaited C700 Iridium Certus® maritime terminal has now been launched and is expected to quickly secure a reputation as the most powerful and technically advanced Iridium Certus® terminal on the market.
With its best-in-class RF performance, the C700 can deliver out-of-the-box uplink speeds of 352kbps and downlink speeds of 704kbps by default, with equally impressive low-elevation-angle RF efficiency thanks to its unique 12-patch phased array antenna technology.
Advanced functionality
It will support three high-quality, low-latency phone lines simultaneously; and as a solid-state antenna with no moving parts inside, the C700 is especially robust, requiring no scheduled maintenance over its lifetime.
The advanced performance of the C700 provides customers across all markets with the flexibility to deploy it as the primary communication antenna or as a companion to a VSAT system for seamless redundancy.
For primary communications, the Below Deck Unit (BDU) incorporates key features which make it ready to deploy without additional cost, including firewall, IP PBX, WAN port and built-in Wi-Fi.
Hardware and software functions such as these, incorporated into the system, make the C700 the most powerful, feature-rich L-band solution on the market, delivering best in class performance and functionality. The innate stability and reliable connectivity afforded by the C700 also make it an ideal platform for future safety services, including the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).
Streamlined setup
The C700 delivers installation efficiency both through the product design and the commissioning process. The BDU, weighing approximately 1.2kg, is available as a standalone bulkhead mount system or a 19” all-in-one rack-mount version.
With its small, lightweight and space-saving form factor, the C700 can be carried on board by just one technician or crew member for rapid and low-cost installation. Once the C700 is installed, the built-in, user-friendly AptusLX software enhances the commissioning and setup experience of customers and partners.
Global connectivity
Wouter Deknopper, Vice President and General Manager of Maritime, Iridium, observes: “Many vessel owners and operators may decide against VSAT for budgetary reasons, lack of deck space or the absence of adequate coverage on their voyage routes, so Iridium Certus is ideal as a primary means of communication, supported by the ease of upgrading to the C700 from an existing system.”
“Iridium Certus also excels as a VSAT companion, combining the benefits of LEO with GEO, and L-band with Ku-band. VSAT can suffer from certain degradations and also isn’t global. That’s where you need a strong hybrid system, and Intellian of course is a highly respected manufacturer of maritime VSAT antennas and the new C700, so it is in a strong position to offer a very competitive turnkey hybrid package on the market.”
“The flexibility of the airtime packages Iridium and our partners offer for Intellian customers is also an essential consideration in such uncertain times for the shipping industry and beyond.”
L-Band advantage
L-band is particularly resistant to rain fade and other forms of atmospheric interference, and the C700’s 12-element antenna arrangement is designed to supply rapid and efficient tracking performance, leading to optimal high-speed data and voice connections.
Troels Christensen, Product Manager, EMEA, Intellian, explains: “The signal stability is exceptional even on fast boats or smaller vessels in rough seas, where you may experience heavy pitch and roll.”
An attractive proposition for crew communications with its multiple high-quality voice lines, the C700 is also protected with Intellian’s international support and service network infrastructure, and comes with a three-year warranty for parts and labor.
Retrofitting advantage
“The fact that it can be retrofitted by reusing a vessel’s old mast mount, cables and power supply saves additional time and money,” adds Mr. Christensen.
“There’s no need for extra boxes, there are no hidden costs, and Iridium Certus provides truly global coverage, even at the poles, so the C700 is an L-band innovation that pays ample dividends not just for smaller vessels, but right across the board.”
Eric Sung, CEO, Intellian Technologies, concludes: “We’re delighted to partner with Iridium and believe our C700 is a great addition to our innovative maritime product portfolio. The new C700 antenna is a great choice for multiple customer segments, delivering an affordable solution which leads the market in speed and functionality.”
