Inmarsat Verifies Unparalleled 340 Mbps NexusWave Download Speeds to Demonstrate Power of Network Bonding for Maritime Market
Rhea-AI Summary
Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has validated its NexusWave bonded connectivity service achieving remarkable download speeds of 330-340 Mbps and upload speeds of 70-80 Mbps in real-world testing. The service demonstrated:
- Average download speeds: 120-150 Mbps
- Average upload speeds: 20-45 Mbps
- Network availability: over 99.99%
Unlike traditional hybrid solutions using load balancing, NexusWave combines multiple networks into one bonded connection, allowing applications to use aggregate capacity of all available networks simultaneously. The system maintains seamless connectivity by dynamically adjusting traffic routing, ensuring uninterrupted service even if one network underperforms. The future-proof solution will integrate ViaSat-3 Ka-band service to further increase speeds, while offering unlimited data, global coverage, and enterprise-grade security with 24/7 technical support.
Positive
- Achieved exceptional download speeds of 330-340 Mbps, significantly improving maritime connectivity
- Superior network availability of 99.99% demonstrating high reliability
- Future integration with ViaSat-3 Ka-band service will further enhance connectivity speeds
- Offers unlimited data and global coverage with enterprise-grade security
Negative
- None.
Insights
Inmarsat's verification of 340 Mbps download speeds for its NexusWave maritime service represents a significant technical achievement in the maritime connectivity market. The core innovation here is network bonding technology—rather than simply switching between available networks like typical hybrid solutions, NexusWave simultaneously combines multiple network underlays to create aggregate capacity that exceeds what any single network could provide.
This technical approach delivers three key competitive advantages: First, the 99.99% network availability addresses a critical pain point for maritime customers who operate in challenging connectivity environments. Second, the resilience demonstrated during video conferencing tests shows practical business applications beyond raw speed metrics. Third, the solution provides future-proofing through planned integration with ViaSat-3's Ka-band service.
For Viasat, this verification strengthens their competitive position against maritime connectivity rivals like Intelsat, SES, and Starlink Maritime. The fully managed service model with unlimited data and enterprise-grade security creates valuable recurring revenue opportunities while addressing bandwidth-intensive applications that shipping companies increasingly require. This technology demonstration shows Viasat effectively leveraging its Inmarsat acquisition to maintain leadership in the high-margin maritime connectivity segment.
The verified performance of NexusWave addresses a growing demand from shipping companies for reliable, high-speed connectivity at sea. The maritime industry is rapidly digitizing operations—from remote equipment monitoring to crew welfare applications—all requiring substantial bandwidth that traditional maritime connectivity solutions struggle to deliver consistently.
What stands out is the 120-150 Mbps average download speeds, not just peak performance. Vessels can now support multiple simultaneous applications including video conferencing, IoT data transmission, and crew entertainment without compromising performance. The unlimited data aspect is particularly valuable for shipping companies seeking predictable operational costs.
From a competitive standpoint, this positions Viasat/Inmarsat ahead of alternatives in the high-value commercial shipping segment where reliability trumps cost. The fully managed service approach eliminates complexity for fleet operators who lack specialized IT resources onboard. With nearly 100% network availability, shipping companies can implement more sophisticated digital transformation initiatives previously considered too risky due to connectivity limitations.
This technology demonstration arrives as maritime customers face increasing regulatory compliance requirements that demand reliable data transmission capabilities—potentially expanding Viasat's addressable market beyond traditional shipping segments into specialized maritime operations like offshore energy and research vessels.
Real-world tests of NexusWave confirm power of bonded connectivity for ships at sea: substantiating superior maximum, minimum and average download and upload speeds as network availability averages over
CARLSBAD, Calif., March 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has verified its fully managed bonded connectivity service, NexusWave, achieved maximum download speeds of 330–340 megabits per second, with maximum upload speeds of 70–80 Mbps, in real world tests. The trials demonstrated average download and upload speeds of 120–150 Mbps and 20–45 Mbps respectively, with network availability on board NexusWave vessels over
Unlike the load balancing which hybrid connectivity solutions typically use to deliver bandwidth via the best available underlay network, Inmarsat Maritime’s NexusWave combines multiple underlays in one bonded connection.
The solution allows applications to leverage the aggregate capacity of all available networks rather than relying on one network at a time. In addition to unparalleled speeds, the unique network-bonding approach provides superior reliability and redundancy.
For instance, in real-life testing, the quality of a video conference remains virtually unaffected by the availability or quality of a single network underlay. Leveraging bonding technology, NexusWave dynamically adjusts traffic routing to maintain a seamless and uninterrupted experience.
“The results of our real-world tests demonstrate, in the clearest of terms, the peerless performance of NexusWave as a fully managed bonded maritime connectivity service,” commented Ben Palmer, President, Inmarsat Maritime. “The ability to achieve speeds of 340 Mbps derives from the power of network bonding within NexusWave: no individual underlay network within the package can reach these speeds alone. In NexusWave, Inmarsat’s maritime customers secure a unique value proposition: the capacity of multiple solutions with the convenience of a single provider.”
Designed to provide ‘connected confidence’, NexusWave also delivers unlimited data, global coverage, and enterprise-grade firewall security, while Inmarsat Maritime experts offer round-the-clock technical support to customers worldwide. As a unified service, the solution ensures managed performance levels regardless of the vessel’s location or requirements, with full transparency on total cost of ownership.
In a move intended to further increase aggregated connectivity speeds, the future-proof solution will integrate the next-generation ultra-high capacity, high-speed ViaSat-3 Ka-band service following its entry into service.
“Part of what makes NexusWave so compelling is its ability to seamlessly integrate additional technologies and networks as they become available,” added Ben Palmer. “This ensures that the service continuously improves over time, giving customers complete connected confidence amid evolving challenges and requirements.”
About Inmarsat Maritime
Inmarsat is a Viasat company and continues to power the digitalisation of the maritime industry. With over 40 years of experience, Inmarsat Maritime offers reliable and innovative solutions that enable ship owners and operators to stay connected, navigate safely, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure crew welfare.
Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our mission shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, fast connections to positively impact people’s lives anywhere they are - on the ground, in the air or at sea, while building a sustainable future in space. In May 2023, Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies to create a new global communications partner. Learn more at www.viasat.com, the Viasat News Room or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, Threads and YouTube.
Inmarsat Maritime is based in Viasat’s global international business headquarters in London, United Kingdom. For further information about Inmarsat Maritime, visit Inmarsat.com/maritime and follow us on LinkedIn.
Viasat, Inc. Contacts
PR Contact – Richard Jones, External Communications, PR@Viasat.com
While the information in this document has been prepared in good faith, no representation, warranty, assurance or undertaking (express or implied) is or will be made, and no responsibility or liability (howsoever arising) is or will be accepted by the Inmarsat group or any of its officers, employees or agents in relation to the adequacy, accuracy, completeness, reasonableness or fitness for purpose of the information in this document. All and any such responsibility and liability is expressly disclaimed and excluded to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. Coverage as shown on maps is subject to change at any time. Inmarsat is a trademark owned by the International Mobile Satellite Organization, licensed to Inmarsat Global Limited. The Inmarsat logo and all other Inmarsat trademarks in this document are owned by Inmarsat/Viasat group. © Inmarsat Global Limited. All rights reserved.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1c5991c7-b5d9-45f2-a4c2-e59a890fd5ee
FAQ
What maximum download speeds did Inmarsat's NexusWave achieve in real-world testing for VSAT maritime connectivity?
How does NexusWave's network bonding technology differ from traditional maritime connectivity solutions?
What is the network availability rate for vessels using NexusWave VSAT service?
Will NexusWave integrate with ViaSat-3 Ka-band service in the future?
What are the average download and upload speeds for NexusWave maritime connectivity?
