BOW is a provider of shipboard GSM services that enable maritime crewmembers to use personal GSM phones. The company targets large, worldwide commercial shipping companies. BOW customers had been receiving invoices directly from Stratos since July 1. Stratos will continue to market and sell BOW’s services to existing and new customers, under the new brand GSM Oceanwide.

    “Our acquisition of the BOW assets improves our ability to offer affordable GSM services to our global customer base. Today, more than ever, savvy ship managers understand that offering a wide range of communications options is critical to attracting and retaining qualified crewmembers,” Stratos President and CEO Jim Parm said in a statement.

    Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.