LGC Wireless today announced that Wireless Maritime Services (WMS), a joint venture of Cingular Wireless and Maritime Telecommunications Network, Inc., is deploying its InterReach Unison systems to enable high-quality cellular service for thousands of cruise ship passengers worldwide.

LGC Wireless systems are currently deployed aboard some two dozen ships operated by the world's leading cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Holland America Line, Island Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Orient Lines, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Royal Caribbean Cruises.

By deploying Unison systems aboard these vessels, WMS enables pervasive, "four bars" cellular coverage for passengers and crew despite the challenges of the ships' all-steel construction. A typical installation brings in wireless signals through a ship-mounted satellite antenna, and then distributes the signal via Unison Main and Expansion Hubs plus roughly 60 antennas. Through its roaming partnerships with 340 cellular carriers worldwide, WMS ensures CDMA and GSM-based cellular services for any passenger anywhere.

"You might think that a cruise ship is the last place where someone would want cellular service, but it's actually very popular," said Rob Marjerison, vice president of deployment and business development at WMS. "In fact, many passengers won't sail unless they know they have cellular coverage that allows them to remain in touch while on vacation. We have standardized on the Unison system because it allows us to support any carrier frequency and is much easier to install than other systems."