Singtel to offer Starlink service to its maritime digital smart solution iShip and Paragon

Singtel adds Starlink connectivity to its maritime portfolio of services to drive industry innovation and growth

Enhanced connectivity will enable greater access to digital services, boost operational efficiencies and better support crew well-being

Singapore, 18 January 2024 – Singtel announced today that it will augment its maritime digital offerings with Starlink’s satellites to drive adoption of digital solutions by ship owners and operators so they can innovate and tap into advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, and edge computing, as well as access cloud-based solutions to improve safety, operational efficiencies, and crew well-being. With enhanced connectivity and low latency capabilities, ship operators can analyze data in real-time to increase productivity and reduce costs of fuel consumption and operational maintenance, among other benefits.

Starlink is the first low-earth orbit (LEO) broadband service to be added to Singtel’s comprehensive portfolio of award-winning digital smart solutions for vessels known as iSHIP, which also includes Paragon, the telco’s all-in-one orchestration platform for 5G edge computing and cloud services. The platform will manage and automate the smart switching between satellite communication services, ensuring uninterrupted, high-quality network coverage as ships traverse long distances, including the most remote locations and under severe conditions. It will also enable ships to leverage edge computing and host mission-critical applications either on-premises or at shore, freeing up valuable bandwidth and improving reliability.

“The addition of Starlink to our existing suite of satellite communications solutions, orchestrated by our patented Paragon platform, is part of our multi-orbit strategy to increase the resilience of satellite connectivity in the industry and to enable the rapid adoption of digital technologies and solutions. “
Bill Chang, Chief Executive Officer, Digital InfraCo, Singtel

“The maritime industry is a complex, interconnected environment involving large volumes of data being transmitted between thousands of terminals, ships, and ports across the world. We have seen growing demands for faster, more resilient, and low latency connectivity as the industry starts to embrace digital transformation.

The addition of Starlink to our existing suite of satellite communications solutions, orchestrated by our patented Paragon platform, is part of our multi-orbit strategy to increase the resilience of satellite connectivity in the industry and to enable the rapid adoption of digital technologies and solutions. As the first telco in Singapore to offer Starlink, we are confident that this offering will further facilitate the development of smart, secure, and sustainable solutions that will positively impact the industry,”
said Mr Bill Chang, Chief Executive Officer, Digital InfraCo, Singtel.

Transforming the maritime industry with hyperconnectivity

High-speed, end-to-end connectivity is required to improve operational efficiencies, lower costs and raise the safety and security of vessels. Starlink is the world’s first and largest satellite constellation, using LEO technology to deliver high-speed, low-latency Internet connectivity in even the most remote locations. As the only telco in the Southeast Asian region that features a multi-band satellite network including both LEO and geostationary orbit (GEO) offerings, customers can be assured that their ships and crew stay connected even in the most demanding maritime conditions.

With over 5,000 satellites in its constellation, Starlink can provide global maritime coverage for vessels of all sizes, delivering up to 220 Mbps download speed—easily capable of supporting fleet management, remote monitoring, and navigation. The flat high-performance kit is designed for mobility

applications and challenging environments with operating temperatures ranging from -30°C to 50°C. Starlink’s small form factor, simple installation process and efficient power consumption will ensure easy integration and energy efficiencies for ships of all sizes.

As the maritime industry progresses on its digital transformation journey, the demand for more bandwidth and faster satellite connectivity will continue to grow.

Singtel’s all-in-one maritime service iShip and Paragon

With the integration of Starlink’s services with Singtel iSHIP and Paragon, ship operators and their crew can access a complete managed service experience with the telco’s value-added services coupled with its exclusive Customer Care Plan. With Singtel as the single point of contact providing 24/7 end-to-end support, from installation and onboarding to scaling resources to resolving technical or service issues, customers can have greater peace of mind and focus on their core business.

Enable enhanced communications

Ships have complex network requirements and environments, with a diverse set of connections for web, communication, navigation, and vessel management. With Paragon’s smart switching, ships can leverage a combination of connectivity services, including 5G, VSAT, and more, ensuring consistent connectivity and resiliency. Operators and crew will have better communication and management of network services, enabling better informed decisions, especially in ever-changing and volatile maritime conditions.

Enhanced priority for mission-critical apps:

Mission-critical apps that are required for safe operation of vessels can be assigned higher quality and priority of service on the satellite network through Paragon. These applications can be directly hosted onboard vessels through the edge cloud on the vessel or at shore at Singtel’s facilities, relieving data congestion and optimising data management onboard.

Strengthen security against cyber threats:

Cyberattacks are a rising area of concern for the maritime industry. Singtel’s Advanced Endpoint Protection and Managed Cyber Security services, combined with Starlink’s highly secure architecture, will provide protection against malicious threats, preventing network breaches and minimizing security risks.

Streamline installation and maintenance processes:

Starlink’s compact Flat High Performance User Terminal is designed for mobility and challenging environments. With Singtel’s Customer Care Plan, ship owners and operators can enjoy a hassle-free and fast installation experience. Compared to traditional satellite systems, which require a team of professional installers to set up, Starlink’s small-form factor ensures that installation can be completed in just half a day, significantly reducing labor and resources. Additionally, Singtel offers a complete managed service experience with 24/7 customer support for troubleshooting and greater peace of mind.