Satellite Solutions

Satellite Services

Since inception in 1884, Mackay Communications has been committed to innovative communications solutions to include satellite solutions and comprehensive satellite communication services. Our experience evolved from our early participation in two sectors which transformed communications on-land and at-sea:

Instrumental in the adoption of transatlantic cable service and production of shipboard radios; however these were required by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for safety and security at sea.
Global wireless communications advanced exponentially with the advent of satellite technology; enabling real-time reliable digital connectivity for marine and remote terrestrial applications through modern satellite communication services.

The Satellite Services Division has been on the forefront of providing turn-key satellite solutions for commercial mariners and land-based remote and emergency applications. Our long-term partnerships with leading satcom equipment suppliers and as an authorized distributor for satellite airtime from Inmarsat, Iridium®, Globalstar, VSAT network providers, new hybrid Push-to-Talk (PTT) systems, and the revolutionary high performance LEO network providers (Starlink, OneWeb-Eutelsat, with more on the horizon), have enabled us to concentrate on “system solutions” to meet our global customer’s connectivity needs. We also provision Iridium satellite phone services for vessel crew welfare, remote site teams, and emergency satellite communications where resilience is paramount. In addition, we support satellite television services for crew morale and news at sea, integrating internet and satellite capabilities for a seamless onboard experience.

We also provide support and guidance on network management, cybersecurity tools, redundancy and back-up, and more—ensuring our satellite communication services and satellite solutions are secure, optimized, and reliable for mission-critical operations. Our portfolio spans inmarsat fleet broadband plans for primary or backup connectivity, VSAT for high throughput, and satellite phone solutions for voice continuity.

Mackay appreciates that no two projects are identical. We consult with each customer to understand their needs, tailor a system to seamlessly integrate within technical and budget requirements, and align the right blend of L-band, Ku/Ka-band VSAT, and LEO for best-in-class offshore reliability. We make certain that clients have all the tools needed for success, including Iridium satellite phone services for polar and bluewater routes, plus portable kits for emergency satellite communications. Where appropriate, we combine inmarsat fleet broadband with LEO links to balance cost and performance for internet and satellite redundancy.

Whether it’s a single remote satellite phone or emergency response network, vast pipeline, regional smart grid, back-up system, remote operations, vessel or fleet, Mackay Satellite’s aim is to provide ‘Always On’ satellite connectivity and integrated managed systems that combine satellite solutions and satellite communication services end‑to‑end. Our managed offerings can include satellite television services for hospitality fleets and satellite phone solutions for safety teams across dispersed assets.

Latest maritime satellite connection technologies and benefits

Mackay delivers the newest maritime options, including GEO VSAT with advanced modems and QoS, L-band failover (inmarsat fleet broadband, Iridium Certus), and high performance LEO (Starlink Maritime, OneWeb-Eutelsat). These multi-orbit satellite solutions increase offshore internet reliability via:

Redundancy and automatic failover between VSAT, L-band, and LEO for near-constant uptime in heavy seas and high latitudes.
Lower latency and higher throughput from LEO for cloud apps, video, and real-time monitoring.
Global coverage, including polar routes, supported by Iridium satellite phone services and Certus for voice/data in remote oceans.
Managed cybersecurity, bandwidth shaping, and SD-WAN to keep critical traffic prioritized for both internet and satellite paths.

Operational efficiency and communications at sea

Advanced satellite connectivity solutions streamline vessel operations through remote diagnostics, condition-based maintenance, ECDIS updates, and electronic reporting. Crew welfare improves with reliable Wi‑Fi calling, messaging, and satellite television services, while bridge teams gain resilient voice via Iridium satellite phone services and emergency satellite communications during outages. With integrated SD-WAN, application-aware routing sends business data over VSAT/LEO and preserves L-band for safety, reducing costs and boosting uptime. Our satellite phone solutions ensure GMDSS-aligned backup across the fleet.

Satellite communication options for remote fishing operations

L-band terminals (Inmarsat Fleet One, Iridium Certus 200) for dependable catch reporting, email, weather GRIBs, and emergency satellite communications.
Compact LEO maritime antennas for high-speed updates to quotas, market prices, and crew calling when nearshore or mid-ocean.
Handhelds and kits using Iridium satellite phone services for liferafts, skiffs, and boarding crews, plus simple satellite phone solutions for skippers.
VSAT where available for cost-effective bulk data, with L-band or Iridium failover to maintain essential links and internet and satellite continuity.

Best maritime communication solutions available

The strongest approach blends multi-orbit VSAT + LEO + L-band, enterprise-grade routers, and 24/7 monitoring. Mackay’s managed satellite communication services include:

Design, installation, and lifecycle support for GEO VSAT, LEO, and L-band systems.
Global airtime and service for Inmarsat, Iridium®, Globalstar, and managed plans tailored to route profiles, including inmarsat fleet broadband for primary or backup services.
Iridium satellite phone services for GMDSS-compliant voice backup and polar operations, alongside satellite phone solutions for everyday ship-to-shore communications.
Emergency satellite communications kits, redundant power, and failover testing for safety and compliance, plus integration with satellite television services where required.

Mackay Sample Portfolio of Land-Mobile Satellite Products & Airtime Plans (pdf handout)

Please contact us 24/7 to discuss your specific communications needs at +1 919 850 3100 or satserv@mackaycomm.com