Cambridge, 2 February 2009 ip.access www.ipaccess.com , the multi-award winning developer of picocell and femtocell solutions, announces that Blue Ocean Wireless, the world s first global GSM provider for the deep sea merchant maritime sector, is using their nanoGSM system to provide mobile phone service to merchant seafarers.

Blue Ocean Wireless global service enables seafarers to use their existing mobile phones while at sea in exactly the same way that they would in port or on land. The ability to communicate with family and friends at sea is a real need for seafarers, who spend many months away from home.

Using the cellular signal generated by the ip.access nanoGSM picocell, crew members can use their own standard GSM phones to make and receive calls and SMS messages while on board. The nanoGSM picocell is typically installed in the accommodation areas. It is connected to a Remote Gateway which converts the cellular call into a narrowband IP signal for transmission over the satellite network, via a satellite terminal, using L, Ku or C band technology.
Importantly, the Blue Ocean Wireless system efficiently manages the operational cost by minimising the IP bandwidth used to connect to the satellite network and transmit the call. It also ensures that the satellite connection is not left on when there are no calls in progress.

The Blue Ocean Wireless prepaid mobile connectivity solution enhances the working experience and life on-board ship for both officers and ratings. The instant and personal access to communication provided by voice and SMS messaging leads to a happier and more productive crew. For ship owners, this helps them to attract and retain sea-going staff. An added benefit for family members is that fixed global rates for satellite connections allow for easier and more cost-effective shore to ship calls.

We always work with industry leaders to deliver the best possible service to our customers, said Robert Johnson, CEO of Blue Ocean Wireless. We chose ip.access as our partner based on their expertise as the leading provider of picocell technology. The ip.access nanoGSM picocell is a reliable, high-performance product, and we are delighted to use it to deliver our global GSM service to deep sea merchant customers worldwide.

Commenting on the news, ip.access CEO Stephen Mallinson said, We re thrilled to work with Blue Ocean Wireless and be part of such a pioneering and innovative service, which for the first time brings the benefits of mobile cellular communication to seafarers who spend so much time away from friends and family. We look forward to working with Blue Ocean Wireless to develop and deliver new and exciting applications for this technology in the future .