Highlights:
Multi-year contract for service to more than 100 cruise ships around the globe.
Solution provides guest, crew and corporate communication services.
Will significantly improve bandwidth levels to accommodate new service needs onboard each ship.
MELBOURNE, FL - October 15, 2013 — Harris CapRock Communications, a premier global provider of managed communication solutions for remote and harsh environments, has signed a five-year contract with Carnival Corporation to provide communications services onboard more than 100 cruise ships in its 10 cruise line brands. The dual-band satellite communications solution will enable the Carnival brands to reach dramatically improved bandwidth levels to meet the performance expectations of guests and crew onboard.
"At Carnival, our most important goal is to give our guests a great experience. For many of our guests, this means staying connected by phone and Internet, even when they're on our ships in the middle of the sea," said Richard Ames, senior vice president of business services, Carnival Corporation. "Providing connectivity has been an important part of the Carnival experience, and with today's agreement, we look forward to continuing to provide our guests with a high level of connectivity. We know our guests get excited about creating great memories on our cruises, and if they can't wait to get home to share photos and stories, we're happy to make it possible for them to call, text, email and tweet from the middle of the ocean."
To meet Carnival's needs, Harris will deploy a fully managed, end-to-end Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) solution utilizing the latest generation of iDirect technology, via a hybrid C- and Ku-band solution. Carnival will receive equipment, installation, maintenance, service and 24/7 proactive monitoring and support from Harris' Customer Support Centers. Transition and installation work will occur globally in various ports, spanning across the United States, Bahamas, Europe, South America, Australia and Singapore.
Each ship will be equipped with stabilized antenna systems to provide the optimal level of flexibility and availability. Bandwidth levels will be higher than what was previously delivered to each fleet, which accommodates new service requirements set by Carnival for its guests and crew, as well as for new entertainment solutions across the 10 cruise line brands.
"This agreement solidifies Harris and Carnival's long-lasting communications partnership and enables guests and crew onboard to connect with their friends, family and businesses — no matter where they are cruising around the world," said Tom Eaton, president, Harris CapRock. "By teaming with Harris as its communications partner, Carnival has the backing of an industry-leading business and global infrastructure that ensures we are here to meet their communication needs at all times, no matter where its ships are traveling."
Carnival's 10 cruise line brands include AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Ibero Cruises, P&O Cruises, P&O Cruises Australia, Princess Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line.
Harris CapRock Communications is a premier global provider of managed satellite and terrestrial communications solutions, specifically for remote and harsh environments including the maritime, energy and government markets. Harris CapRock owns and operates a robust global infrastructure that includes teleports on six continents, five 24/7 customer support centers, local presence in 23 countries, and more than 275 global field service personnel supporting customer locations across North America, Central and South America, Europe, West Africa and Asia Pacific.
About Harris Corporation
Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 125 countries. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has approximately $5 billion of annual revenue and about 14,000 employees — including 6,000 engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications® products, systems, and services. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at harris.com.
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Contact Information:
Alix Anne Hornig
Harris CapRock Communications
alix.hornig@harris.com
703-752-6854
Jim Burke
Harris Corporation
jim.burke@harris.com
321-727-9131
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Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect management's current expectations, assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. Such statements are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Harris disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.