Marlink will launch its new 'Local Numbers' service at this year's Nor-Shipping in Oslo, Norway. Available to all customers of Marlink's Sealink(TM) and WaveCall(TM) VSAT systems, the new service combines Direct Inward Dialling (DID) with the local telephone number of the vessel operator's office location to provide cost-effective calling for shore-to-vessel voice calls.

"With the introduction of this new Value Added Service, office-based staff can telephone the vessel using an allocated local number which is charged at the local tariff, no matter where in the world the vessel is operating," comments Tore Morten Olsen, CEO, Marlink. "By eliminating the often high cost of International calling, Local Numbers ensures calling from shore-to-vessel remains cost-effective."

Marlink's Local Numbers service offers extensive coverage with telephone numbers from more than 50 countries and 4000 cities worldwide. With fixed monthly costs and no additional per-minute fees, there is no limit on the amount or length of calls, enabling customers to easily predict and manage communications costs. The Local Numbers service ensures reliable voice quality and enables users to reach the vessel directly with no requirement to call via an operator. Fully maintained by Marlink's customer support team, the service is easy to use, with no user administration required.

Marlink's portfolio incorporates an extensive range of VSAT Value Added Services designed to ensure flexible solutions are available to meet the toughest customer requirement. Olsen adds: "Our range of 'Value Added Services' are designed to provide increased flexibility and value to our VSAT customers. The introduction of the new Local Numbers service complements this portfolio perfectly, offering vessel operators greater control over the cost of voice calls, while promoting communications between vessels and the shore."

Tags: Marlink