Marlink reports that it has upgraded its Sealink C-band VSAT service, to more easily integrate with existing and future Ka and Ku-band systems for users operating a multi-band network on board their ships.

NSSLGlobal has launched its first-ever hybrid cellular/VSAT service for maritime vessels, the Cellular Marine System.

KVH reports that it has now passed the milestone of shipping its 7,000th mini-VSAT Broadband system, a few months short of the tenth anniversary of the launch of the service.

Global Eagle Entertainment reports that it has expanded its portfolio of live programming delivered by satellite to cruise ships with the addition of new channels for crew members from India and the Philippines.

A new report from analysts Euroconsult has claimed that the value of the maritime satellite communications market has reached almost $1 billion in annual revenue at the satellite operator level, and is closing in on $2 billion in annual revenue at the service provider level.

SpeedCast has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Harris CapRock in a cash transaction valued at US$425 million, with the aim of strengthening its position in the cruise and energy sectors.

Intelsat and Global Eagle Entertainment (GEE) report that they have entered into a new expanded contract for the provision of global satcom connectivity services, including significant capacity on Intelsat’s latest EpicNG generation of satellites.

Global Eagle Entertainment reports that it has signed a multi-year contract renewal for the provision of VSAT satellite communication services for SeaBird Exploration in Norway.

Global Eagle Entertainment has entered into a three-year global distribution agreement with Lagardère Sports, a producer and distributor of sports programming, which will give GEE the rights to distribute over 10,000 hours of live and produced sports programming to commercial flights and ships at sea through its global VSAT networks.

SpeedCast reports that it has been awarded a multi-year service agreement by MMA Offshore, one of the largest marine service providers in the Asia Pacific region, to provide VSAT services to its global offshore vessel fleet.