SeaMobile + Silversea Cruises = Unmatched Wireless

Jason · November 19, 2005

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 17, 2005--SeaMobile Inc., a leading global provider of advanced at-sea wireless voice and data communications services, announced today it has signed an agreement with Silversea Cruises, an award-winning, ultra-luxury cruise line, to provide never before offered communication solutions for its passengers throughout the world.

The first Silversea ship to deploy the SeaMobile advanced wireless services will be the Silver Whisper. Passengers and crew aboard the ship will be able to use their own cellular phones and wireless PDAs while at sea, just as they do on land. Charges for calls and data services while at sea will simply appear on the wireless customer's bill from their home carrier.

The agreement between Silversea and SeaMobile brings together two best-in-class companies committed to delivering a superior customer experience. Silversea was recently awarded the top spot among small-ship cruise lines in the 18th annual Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards. This is the ninth year that Silversea has garnered this prestigious award.

SeaMobile's leadership team includes proven business and technology leaders who have repeated success in using technology advantages to successfully deliver services to significant markets over the past two decades. They were the founders and growth leaders for McCaw Cellular Communications, AT&T Wireless Services, Microsoft, DSS Direct/DIRECTV, Nextel and other top telecommunications and software companies.

SeaMobile's proprietary technology is a sophisticated IP/software based solution that is "agnostic" to the type of phone (GSM, GPRS or CDMA) used by the wireless customer when accessing the SeaMobile network at sea. This allows virtually anyone aboard any vessel at sea to use voice and data services available through their wireless home carrier, just as they would on land. In addition, SeaMobile's solution can work with any satellite provider, including those currently offering services to the maritime industry. Worldwide roaming agreements established by SeaMobile provide transparent connectivity for wireless services. Coverage aboard the Silver Whisper can include the entire ship or select areas to enable "quiet zones."

"Personalized service, flexibility and convenience are all important elements of the ultra-luxury experience we offer our guests," said Silversea CEO Albert Peter. "We chose SeaMobile because of their ability to provide a superior wireless experience for our guests, giving them seamless and convenient cell phone access to family, friends and business associates not only on land, but also on the ship."

"We are thrilled to sign this agreement with Silversea to support their primary goal of offering an ultra-luxury experience for their guests by helping them stay connected," said SeaMobile President and CEO William D. Marks. "Cruising is a fast-growing industry where improved connectivity is becoming a key decision factor among consumers who choose a vacation destination based on their ability to stay connected for business and personal needs."

Mebert · November 19, 2005

To be able to use your own cell phone while at sea in foreign territory sounds like a great idea.

I guess if you can afford Silversea Cruises, the cost factor for the service makes no difference.

I wonder if the technology would bring the cost of communication at sea down.

sailinglisa · November 19, 2005

Why? I deal with cell phones, etc. all day long every day of the year at work. I do NOT want to deal with them on the ships! Can you see it now? In the middle of dinner, someone's cell phone goes off....relaxing at pool side, in the middle of a show or activity..........it will happen as common courtesy has almost completely disappeared from society today. Can't there be one cell phone free place? There is internet, there is satellite phones...........yes, they cost, but hey - you're on VACATION!!!!