The two biggest gaps in marine communications have been the inability to use a cell phone from mid-ocean and the inability to plug moving vessels into the Internet. Both problems are moving a lot closer to solutions, despite the $5 billion flop of the first truly global satphone system. Cruise passengers are seen as a key market for at-sea cell, phone services. Now Maritime Telecommunications Network (MTN), is to provide the satellite communications network for a new service developed and patented by BT A&M, BT's satellite communications division. This new "Cruise Connect" service will enable passengers and staff on cruise ships to make and receive calls from their cell phones while at sea.
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