Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd.’s (Nasdaq:GILT) wholly owned subsidiary Wavestream(R) has been selected by Harris CapRock Communications to supply Ku-band solid state power amplifiers for integration into end-to-end VSAT antenna systems onboard its maritime customers’ vessels, including those within the cruise market.
As part of the agreement, Wavestream will deliver Harris CapRock 100W Ku-band Block Upconverters (BUCs) and 200W Ku-band BUCS.
“Wavestream’s Ku-band amplifiers are an important part of the VSAT antenna systems that we are providing our maritime customers to improve communications performance and to ensure constant connectivity services for both passengers and crew,” said Rick Simonian, president of Maritime Solutions, Harris CapRock.
Last month Harris CapRock announced that it signed a five-year agreement with cruise operator Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. to provide communications services onboard its fleet of 34 ships.
“Providing constant connectivity is critical to the cruise line industry, helping enhance the overall passenger experience and improving crew moral while at sea,” stated Gary Echo, Vice President of Business Development at Wavestream. “Wavestream’s reputation for designing compact, highly reliable and efficient solid state amplifiers made us a clear choice for integration into Harris CapRock’s VSAT antenna systems. Our ability to create and deliver, in volume, products that are designed and tested to meet strenuous requirements for temperature, shock and vibration is critical to meet both our customer’s and their customers expectations for constant connectivity whenever they need it, and wherever they may be.”
Thousands of Wavestream Ku-band products have been shipped worldwide to support a variety of military, defense and broadcast satellite communications systems. The 100W and 200W Ku-band products are based on Wavestream’s patented Spatial advantEdge(TM) technology to provide efficient, high power output in smaller, lighter product packages suitable for fixed and flyaway antenna systems. Each product is designed and tested over a range of frequency and temperature, and has a field-proven track record for performance and reliability in some of the most extreme environments.
