Connect at Sea works with a maritime vessel’s Wi-Fi infrastructure and data/voice prioritization strategy, delivering high voice quality while keeping bandwidth usage low. MTN and WMS said customers would not be required to purchase an Internet plan to use the application and can download it from the Apple iTunes or Google Android stores.

   “The demands of today’s cruisers are increasing and the industry is faced with the opportunity of bringing a solution similar to a land-based calling experience to the middle of the ocean for both passengers and crew,” MTN Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cruise and Ferry Services Brent Horwitz said in a statement. “Passengers expect to be able to make calls from anywhere in the world without issue and crew require a service that allows them to stay connected with family and friends while at sea. This joint solution between MTN and WMS fulfills this important communications requirement.”