Altough not very different then some of the more off-shore Wi-Fi initiatives in the (at least) US, I really like this example of ubiquitous wireless internet in India. Let's see if we can make something like that happen in, let's say, the Med.
"A lake in North India famous for its tourist houseboats has become one large wireless hot spot. A Times of India report called Lake Dal in the state of Kashmir "the first Wi-Fi enabled lake in the country, and perhaps the world". Tourists flock to the picturesque lake for its rustic tranquility, but those who prefer to stay connected can now also browse the Web and check email while afloat on native houseboats, said the report."
Ocean Navigator runs a nice review of several systems currently available for accessing the internet while at sea. Although they miss important (future) players like Boeing's Connexion and Sea Tel's WaveCall, it's still worth reading. As an 'extra', the article shortly discusses another very interesting development, marina hotspots using Wi-Fi technology.
"Of course, some technically savvy boaters may engage in a new kind of trolling, sailing along close to shore while using their computers to look for existing and unencrypted hotspots through which to connect to the �Net. We hope their navigation skills match their computer skills, however; otherwise, we may see shoals decorated with grounded boats."
When planning to sail around the world, or even just a part of it, it is important to consider different international power requirements, especially since many yachts are fully loaded with all kinds of electronics.
"More of today's cruising boats provide all the comforts of home, and with luxury comes an increased demand for AC power, or alternating current. It seems like every galley now has a microwave oven; television sets with a VCR or DVD player are common. And how about a laptop computer or electric hair dryer? Or a central air-conditioning system? In no small degree, AC power on board has become a way of life for many cruisers."
In order to make sure that you're always seen by big ships and that they see you, install an Automatic Identity System. It might help prevent collisions that occur every now and then and might have a fatal impact. Will be interesting to see how this system will integrate with other systems and what services will be developed based on that integration.
"The Automatic Identity System (AIS) is shaping up to be an important marine safety tool. It's based on a clever communications protocol that allows a nearly infinite number of nearby vessels to simultaneously exchange vital position, speed, heading, and other data over two previously unused VHF channels. Picture a super-solid ARPA radar target, only you also get the target vessel's name and whether she's just initiated a turn or speed change, and more, and vice versa. And the target is visible beyond normal radar sight."
Internet@sea developments are happening in a fast pace. Again, we have a new entrant to this market, TeleSea. Although some of these players are very much focused on US coastal waters, I expect more offerings for the European waters as well shortly.
"The world of high-end satcom has an aggressive new player. TeleSea Blue's four-foot stabilized antenna, North American coverage, and cable modem-like speed are similar to SeaTel's Wavecall 4003 system but use different satellites and a different business model."
I would be very surprised if this would take of in the maritime sector, since it is not yet even a credible offer for homes connected to normal broadband internet.
"The $600 VisiFone is primarily designed for homes and offices with unlimited broadband service, where the calls are essentially "free" but Sea Tel has teamed with Viseon to highlight the capabilities of its high-end WaveCall 4003 onboard broadband system, which can now be had with unlimited service contracts (though, of course, at considerably more than onshore rates)."
What's the best system for onboard internet, without it costing a small fortune....?
"This is becoming the $64,000 cruising question. Or the 64,000 bits per second (64 kbps) question, as that's about the minimal Web speed most of us can tolerate for work or play these days. There are several ways to get online onboard, but none has yet emerged as a real performance/value winner."
Global Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) is a system that can be very useful in emergency situations, however, recent integration with GPS systems might not have been such a good thing.
"In the course of researching this column, I discovered that the Coast Guard and NOAA, concerned about the low number of successful GPS-assisted SARSAT calls, did some real-world testing off Key West, Florida, last year. I've read the report, and it's disturbing. Some models seemed to deliver GPS position poorly, if at all."
Short article focusing on the different, but really available, systems that allow internet access off-shore. It elaborates on the KVH and Sea Tel offerings.
"Sea Tel just introduced WaveCall 4003, meant for quite large yachts. It uses high-frequency GEOs and an antenna engineered to fit a 48-inch dome and offers 512/128 Kbps down/up speeds, both expandable, and voice. Coverage is wide, but not global. Hardware is $35,000, and a $1,000-a-month contract includes a gigabyte of data."
The 1 billion maritime communications market will soon have a very strong new entrant. Boeing will introduce it's Connexion service, used for a.o. in flight internet access, to the maritime market. Will be very interesting to see how Inmarsat will respond to this new challenge, altough not many details are availabe. That makes it difficult to see wether it actually compares to something like Inmarsat's Fleet services, but if it is anything like the service being offered for in flight internet access, in combination with small footprint hardware, well then...
"Connexion by Boeing has successfully tested real-time data communication and a live, high-quality video teleconferencing from a private vessel in Seattle's Lake Union to its Seattle campus. The Connexion by Boeing maritime solution is expected to be approximately ten times faster than most commonly deployed communications systems available today, and significantly less expensive to use. Details on system and service pricing will be announced closer to service launch."
Altough not very different then some of the more off-shore Wi-Fi initiatives in the (at least) US, I really like this example of ubiquitous wireless internet in India. Let's see if we can make something like that happen in, let's say, the Med.
When planning to sail around the world, or even just a part of it, it is important to 
"The Automatic Identity System (AIS) is shaping up to be an important marine safety tool. It's based on a clever communications protocol that allows a nearly infinite number of nearby vessels to simultaneously exchange vital position, speed, heading, and other data over two previously unused VHF channels. Picture a super-solid ARPA radar target, only you also get the target vessel's name and whether she's just initiated a turn or speed change, and more, and vice versa. And the target is visible beyond normal radar sight."
Internet@sea developments are happening in a fast pace. Again, we have a new 
"The $600 VisiFone is primarily designed for homes and offices with unlimited broadband service, where the calls are essentially "free" but Sea Tel has teamed with Viseon to highlight the capabilities of its high-end WaveCall 4003 onboard broadband system, which can now be had with unlimited service contracts (though, of course, at considerably more than onshore rates)."
The 1 billion maritime communications market will soon have a very strong new entrant. Boeing will