Maritime Telecommunications Network (MTN), a Miramar, Fla.-based provider of satellite-based communications to the cruise and offshore oil and gas rigs, has signed an agreement with Holland America Line to provide wireless technology to its fleet of cruise ships.

Under the agreement, MTN will provide wireless Internet capabilities in the public rooms surrounding the Internet cafés of Holland America’s fleet, in addition to satellite communications and Internet services for Holland America guests and crew that MTN already provides. MTN integrates wireless applications using the 802.11b standard with Wi-Fi “hot spots” throughout a vessel, linking these to satellites for communications access beyond the ship. MTN expects the process of equipping Holland America’s fleet with the new Wi-Fi technology to be completed in May.