Mark Hawkins examines the possibilities for the internet at sea and the new technology for bluewater sailors.
Radio communication was once the only way for mariners and Shoremen to communicate. However, satellite technology is now available to get internet at sea. For more related articles visit unlimited wireless internet.
There is a lot of confusion associated with this growing selection.
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced many people to work remotely. Such as me, on a liveaboard, I was forced to make the most of remote internet access technology to fulfill my role as a global humanitarian technology manager at Save the Children International.
Like many others, I needed a reliable connection to access Zoom meetings and email, as well as other online services that have made our modern workplace possible.
Access to the internet is a great tool for passage-making. As a Chartplotter, I carry a tablet with me onboard.
The navigation app requires an internet connection to update charts or download the most recent weather data.
Experienced mariner, I still view existing technologies like VHF radio as mission-critical communication. Internet access should not be considered the only source of information.
VHF is only available in the line of sight and is limited to coastal areas. However, routine broadcasts from HM Coastguard include safety information that is almost instantaneous and is not accessible on apps or websites.
Further offshore, high-frequency (HF) radio is mainly used for voice communication.
In 2002, I set up a network of radio stations using Bushmail in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This was the land-based version of Sailmail.
My experience with this technology was that it could only send text-only emails, as the maximum data rate is 2.4Kb/sec.
This is sufficient for basic weather information. However, live internet services such as WhatsApp do not work on HF radio networks.
Internet at sea: Shoreside wifi
You will need the appropriate technology and a nearby service to access the internet aboard.
There are many options available, each with its hardware requirements.
Here's a rule of thumb: The further the boat is from the land, the more costly data might be.
Marina wifi is not available at my berth. Even if it was, I have been very disappointed with the performance and reliability of many free wifi hotspots that I tried.
Marina wifi is not performing well in my experience. This could be due to weak signal, too many users, or inadequate capacity.
Wifi adapters with external antennas can improve the signal performance.
However, before you invest in new technology, it is good to take your laptop to an area with strong signal strength and test.
Some marinas also offer premium wifi. It performs better. There are usually additional charges.
4G phone signal
My internet setup includes a CradlePoint4G router and a www.three.co.uk sim card.
Unlimited data costs PS20 per month, which is sufficient to keep me connected and allow me to set up a security camera to monitor my boat in case of any problems.
Social media forums are full of debate about which 4G network is the best.
It is not one of them, as the quality of service depends on where your boat is at any given time.
Two things can affect the quality of service: location and quality.
The weaker the signal, the farther away from the base station. This will reduce connection speeds.
Second, there will be slower speeds in areas with higher population density. This is because many people are nearby. All of them are online.
It is important to research which networks are the most suitable for your sailing area, as service quality can vary from one location to another.
Data is gathered from signals measured by phones with the Open signal app.
This gives you a better idea of what service you can expect to receive than the optimistic maps provided by mobile networks.
Local knowledge is your friend.
You can find many online discussion groups, such as the YM's Scuttlebutt, where you can ask other members about their experiences using mobile networks.
I've found that not all networks are equally effective.
On my berth, Three provides great service in Portsmouth Harbour.
I switch my SIM card to Vodafone in other parts of Solent because it offers better service than Three.
Multiple SIM cards don't have to be expensive, as most operators offer reasonable pay-as-you-go options.
The majority of networks are 4G and can operate at approximately 8Mb/sec.
You will typically experience good 4G service for up to 3 miles from a mast.
The signal will drop below this range, and then the network switches to 3G, which can be strong up to 6 miles. Sometimes it goes a little further.
Internet at sea: Roaming charges
You should consider many things for those who sail abroad before you use data.
Roaming fees have not been affected by Brexit so far.
Many networks allow users to use data bundles abroad at no additional cost.
A seaman accessing the internet from the sea to view weather forecasts
Internet at sea: Fenice Auer (ARC) sailor uses weather routing to make the Atlantic crossing. Credit: World Cruising Club
Three is very competitive, and their data bundles permit roaming in 71 other countries, including the EU.
If you don't pay attention to the terms and conditions of your roaming service, you could be subject to unexpected charges.
Globetrotting sailors might need to consider a different approach, as SIM cards bought in the UK may not work best.
Tips to Avoid 'bill shock.'
Take a look at your contract to see which countries you can roam with your current UK data plan.
Alerts can be used to set a daily limit on your spending.
Cruise liners often use mobile networks to connect to satellite-powered satellite technology. As they do not offer discounted roaming packages, avoid connecting to them while you are near cruise ships.
Internet at sea: Fifth-generation technology
5G technology is beginning to hit the market and promises faster internet speeds.
Higher frequencies are more efficient and allow for faster speeds.
This means that signals have a shorter range of 1000ft than 3G or 4G. When 5G is unavailable, all 5G systems can receive 4G and 3G.
If you plan to spend much time in ports where 5G is available, I don't recommend upgrading to the new technology.
Internet at sea: Satellite technology
Satellite technology may be an option if you spend a lot offshore or your moorings are in remote locations where there is no cell signal.
Satellite internet access was not affordable in the past. However, things are changing rapidly, and viable services are on the horizon.
Satellite data services are being offered by new tech companies less expensive than long-established satellite operators.
Since 2003, Inmarsat has provided broadband services through BGAN (previously RBGAN) products.
However, at $5 per megabyte, it is prohibitively expensive for many sailors.
Other options for accessing the internet include VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal), which can be expensive at PS30,000 and more than PS1,000 per month.
StarLink fleet
The current technology is far beyond most sailors' reach, so the tech sector is disrupting the market with new products.
SpaceX launched thousands of low-earth orbiting (LEO) small satellites as part of its StarLink service over the past year.
StarLink's fleet orbits at just over 500km altitude, far lower than the 36,000km orbits used by other satellite operators.
Starlink App on Apple iPhone Screen
Starlink app for Apple iPhone screen: Internet at Sea
These orbits are advantageous because they allow systems to use smaller, less powerful antennas.
SpaceX is now rolling out StarLink, its new service that provides coverage in the UK.
StarLink technology is currently only available to shore-based subscribers. However, I don't see Elon Musk turning down the chance to enter the maritime sector using technologies that are specifically for boats.
StarLink systems cost around $499 and $99 per month for a subscription.
People who purchased this technology report positive results. The current performance is better than an average ADSL speed on a UK landline.
Competitors on the horizon
More networks will challenge StarLink in the coming years.
The UK government and Bharti Airtel saved OneWeb. It will continue to operate in the LEO orbit.
OneWeb could use the same satellites for data and telecoms, as well as a UK government-supported alternative to GPS navigation.
Jeff Bezos recently announced that he would be leaving Amazon to concentrate more on space technology.
Can we expect a similar disruption in space telecoms, as someone who has a track record of disrupting retail?
We have many options to keep connected at sea. These new options will also not affect our traditional voice communication methods.
Satellite phones
A significant shakeup is taking place that will impact the technology used to make calls at sea and send distress calls.
Inmarsat was the first satellite network that civilians could use.
Inmarsat was founded in 1979 and held a monopoly on voice telecoms until 2000. This includes satellite parts of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.
Thuraya and Iridium came to market with portable satellite phones and lower tariffs.
Sailors use the internet at sea for weather routing.
Internet at sea: Sailors participating in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers use routing software informed by weather data. Credit: Tim Bishop/TimBishMedia
These operators largely replace Inmarsat in the aid sector as the preferred system. Several years ago, it took Inmarsat to find a new handset that could replace its bulky old systems.
Iridium, the only GMDSS service provider in Inmarsat since its inception, was approved by Inmarsat as a new GMDSS provider in December 2020.
This technology will enable sailors to send distress messages and receive SafetyNet messages via satellite.
GMDSS satellite coverage has been limited to latitudes below 700North and South.
Iridium is completely global, so sailors at high latitudes can now access full GMDSS.
