Unfortunately we will have to wait for another two years before Inmarsat's BGAN service will be available (pdf) for leisure yachts. But at that time all you need is a mini-M terminal, like the one to the left, to be able to have broadband internet access wherever you are. No news about pricing however...
"Inmarsat has announced plans to offer its Broadband Global Area Network service globally, carrying around 432 kbps. The service will be able from early 2006 to the aviation sector, followed by the maritime sector around a year later. Shipboard terminals, the size of a mini-M, will be able to carry data at 380 kbps. Meanwhile, development of the Inmarsat Fleet terminals will continue and the Fleet terminals will be compatible with the I4s. Mr Johnson says that the move should make anyone considering installing a VSAT terminal "look to the right" - because they can get faster data on Fleet, the cut-off point where a VSAT is viable will change. "The terminal prices come down, the airtime comes down," says Mr Johnson."
Last week I had a post on the potential of using your phone as a chartplotter. Nokia has just released a new phone, the 5140, which comes with a digital compass. Once calibrated, it does a decent job at pointing out the right direction and users can set a specific bearing to follow. Of course it is water resistant, but it lacks Bluetooth support. Would have been nice if it could communicate with one of those Bluetooth GPS devices...
"An uber sporty rubber-and-translucent plastic shell encases the interior electronics and provides excellent protection against the elements. The phone worked fine after being dunked in water, kept in the fridge overnight and dropped repeatedly. It would appear extremely difficult to damage the inner core of this handset with water as the battery is further protected by a water-resistant cover beneath the outer shell."
While I was writing about Marlink's Fleet F33 solution, I came accross this historical fact. That's just 38 years back.... We've come a long way so to speak.
"1966 - First ship-to-shore satellite radio message sent from USS Annapolis (AMGR 1) in South China Sea to Pacific Fleet Headquarters at Pearl Harbor."
They are definitely not the first, but Marlink has a new Fleet F33 MPDS solution. Especially geared towards smaller vessels.
"Fleet F33 MPDS uses Internet Protocol (IP) technology and time-shared channels to allocate network resources, enabling cost-efficient Web access, e-mail, and �always on� remote access. This new Marlink service is ideal for a wide range of IP-based applications such as online navigational information and updates, online weather reports, and e-mails with attachments. Marlink Fleet F33 MPDS users pay only for the data packets they send and receive, making this �always on� service a most cost-efficient means for online communications at sea for small boats."
I've talked about SeaWave's Integrator 3.0 least-cost routing solutions back in March. They have launched a new product, the NavSeries. It looks less complete and flexible compared to the Integrator 3.0, but I'm sure there will be a price advantage in return...
"SeaWave has announced the launch of the SeaWave NavSeries. The NavSeries is a cost effective voice and data communications system with built in satellite, cellular and GPS modems that ensure reliable and economical voice and data communications all for $3,199. The NavSeries harnesses SeaWave's proprietary Throughput Technology Software (TTS) to enhance transmission speeds and make communications a more land-like experience. The NavSeries utilizes the global satellite service of Iridium and combines it with the economical coastal coverage of cellular (GSM). As a vessel moves out of inexpensive cellular range the NavSeries will seamlessly continue data transmission over satellite. This provides piece of mind knowing that your email has reached its destination."
I was reading some industry news on Sea Tell and Globalstar, and I realized that I had never posted anything about the WaveCall 3000 which seems like a good solution for data and voice communications if you are sailing the oceans.
"It provides voice and data speeds of up to 56Kbps using data compression, with the added ability to interface with permanently installed shipboard systems. The WaveCall MCM3 uses 3 simultaneously connected channels to provide voice and data speeds of up to 144 kbps using data compression. An RJ45 Ethernet connection also makes the product easy to integrate into networks."
Since I am using the Amsterdam waterways quite often this is especially relevant (pdf) to me.... Not sure about the exact coverage area, but would be nice if Amsterdam was to become a giant 'hotzone'.
"To access the system, ships need to have computers with a standard wi-fi data access card. The system is provided by Radionet, a supplier of wi-fi "hot zone" technology, and Baas WDS (wireless data systems), a system integrator. It was installed in June 2004. The network is owned and operated by Amsterdam Port Authority. The system uses the 2.4 GHz WLAN spectrum and 802.11 wi-fi protocol. The wi-fi access points, located around the port, also communicate with the data backbone system by radio, at up to 10 Mbps; the
backbone itself can carry 34 Mbps."
Located in Portland, Maine, DiMillo's Marina at Long Wharf seems to have done everything right when it comes to letting boaters connect to the internet as easy as possible. They even took advantage of that by offering value added services over the wireless network. That way the Wi-Fi network might even pay for itself so access can be free...
"DiMillo's caters to boaters from all over the world, piloting yachts up to 250 feet in length. With the new Wi-Fi service, captains enjoy convenient dockside check-in and the entire crew can instantly converse with family and friends via email from the comfort of their cabins. Strolling along the 130 slips, it's not uncommon to find people relaxing on their boats with a cold drink while surfing the Internet."
Nice new service for when you're sailing along the Cote d'Azur. I'm sure there are many more to come since GSM/CDMA reception is no longer an issue, not even offshore...
"In France, a company called Seapass is testing an SMS reservation service with several thousand ship owners, allowing them to make their docking reservations by text message, at 5 different ports off the C�te d'Azur (Sainte-Marie-de-la-Mer, Les Embiez, Bandol, Sanary et port de Bouc.) Mobile users need only to send an SMS to a designated short code to: reserve a parking spot for their boat, request the weather report, request the sites to visit in the area, best beaches, best restaurants, historic monuments..."
I've seen a lot of similar products, but Digital Antenna's PowerMax will really help you out when in need of sending (or receiving) some SMS messages while sailing (too far) offshore....
"Lucky you, because Digital Antenna�s PowerMax cellphone signal booster takes an external wall mountable 7-inch antenna, some power adapters, 30� coax cable, and pumps out some serious GSM/CDMA reception�up to 500% more power."
Unfortunately we will have to wait for another two years before Inmarsat's BGAN service will be available (pdf) for leisure yachts. But at that time all you need is a mini-M terminal, like the one to the left, to be able to have broadband internet access wherever you are. No news about pricing however...
Last week I had a 
They are definitely not the first, but Marlink has a 
I've talked about SeaWave's Integrator 3.0 least-cost routing solutions 
I was reading some industry 
Since I am using the Amsterdam waterways quite often this is especially 
They even took advantage of that by offering value added services over the wireless network. That way the Wi-Fi network might even pay for itself so access can be free...
"In France, a company called Seapass is testing an SMS reservation service with several thousand ship owners, allowing them to make their docking reservations by text message, at 5 different ports off the C�te d'Azur (Sainte-Marie-de-la-Mer, Les Embiez, Bandol, Sanary et port de Bouc.) Mobile users need only to send an SMS to a designated short code to: reserve a parking spot for their boat, request the weather report, request the sites to visit in the area, best beaches, best restaurants, historic monuments..."