OmniAccess: our story
OmniAccess was founded in Palma de Mallorca in 2001 as a Wifi/Wimax provider for superyachts in several Ports in Palma and the Mediterranean. The company’s roots in networking and IT lead to its venture in to LAN services whilst still providing superyachts with WAN solutions. Our close relationship with our clients and new satellite broadband technology lead to VSAT service provisioning. After a few years of operating managed VSAT networks our first teleport went live in 2009, following our strong principles of truly end-to-end control we continued to grow our own infrastructure.
Today we support over 400 superyachts, research vessels and boutique Cruise vessels worldwide to the highest standards. In this series of posts we will be replying to the most common questions about VSAT providers and what makes us different.
Are we a Reseller or an Operator?
As opposed to many so called “VSAT operators” that in reality are resellers, OmniAccess are a global VSAT network owner. This means that we own all our infrastructure, such as teleports and 24/7 Network Operation Center (NOC), and we work directly with satellite operators such as Telesat and SES. This gives us complete control of the entire process, to and from your vessel, up to the various satellite networks, always ensuring we have complete visibility and control, so we may provide you the best possible connectivity.
What's the difference between a Network Operations Center (NOC) and a Call Center?
As the name suggests the difference between a Call Center and a NOC is in the caliber of the personnel and the tools available for them to operate it. Here at OmniAccess our NOC is operated by a growing team of over 40 experienced Network Engineers, Satellite and RF Engineers as well as Telecom Engineers, with a wide range of certifications in Cisco, iDirect, Newtec, Linux, ITIL, Intellian… As a global VSAT network owner we will proactively monitor and detect any connectivity anomalies as they happen, and regardless of your location, we are able to quickly diagnose and rectify issues 24/7 365 days a year.
Our primary NOC is located at our head office in Palma De Mallorca, although we have presence around the globe such as in Dubai.
What's the difference between a Fixed vs Flexible contract?
Our contract terms are designed to allow speed changes in-line with the yacht’s needs throughout the season. Less bandwidth may be needed, for example, during crew only operation, whereas a “boost” in bandwidth will ensure user satisfaction during that important charter week or whilst the owner is onboard. You may even need to pause this service during a few months off season, or during shipyard periods. Rather than spreading your annual budget evenly throughout the year, make the most of it by adjusting your NextGen Broadbeam contract to your requirements.
This is a 2-year contract with a minimum commitment of 9 months during each year of contract.
Our classic annual contract do require a minimum commitment of 9 months but the added flexibility means you can easily shift between bandwidth levels on month-to-month basis depending on your needs.
This contract is for a minimum use of 6 months within a period of 12 months.
This is a month-to-month contract with one month commitment per year, it requires you to use the service within a year of agreeing the contract.
Will your vessel be charged airtime during suspension periods?
For an annual contract, suspensions are permitted for a maximum duration of up to 3 months with ZERO fees; maximum suspension of 11 months for our month-to-month contracts; maximum 6 months of suspension for a 6-month contract. Suspension blocks can be utilised in consecutive or non-consecutive increments of weekly or monthly blocks.
When can I Upgrade / Downgrade?
You can upgrade or downgrade at ANY time and between ANY desired plan, this flexibility allows you to (for example) operate a 4 Mbps service during crew or dock operations and then upgrade to a 40 Mbps plan once the cruise season begins. The only requisite is a monthly commitment once you have agreed to upgrade or downgrade.
In addition to this, we offer our premium ONDEMAND service giving you short daily or weekly upgrades to any of our plans. This gives you the ability to “boost” your bandwidth on-board, without having to lock-in to unnecessary higher bandwidths, all that we require is a 24hr notice.
How many times can I upgrade and downgrade in a year?
As many times as you like. There is no limit.
How much notice do I need to give to upgrade?
24hrs notice is needed for upgrade. Our NOC support team are usually able process these requests for upgrade within a matter of minutes or hours, but as a minimum we guarantee a 24hr turn-around.
How much notice do I need to give to downgrade?
Downgrades are possible after completing the minimum 1-month block of the contracted bandwidth, with a 2-week notice.
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