Arvid Karlberg, business development manager of yachting and passenger at Inmarsat, explains why flexible, affordable service plans and new satellite communication technology are creating a future in which sailors can always be connected.

Whether you are crossing oceans, cruising off the coast or racing, there is no doubt that reliable and always-on satellite connectivity can transform life onboard. The safety and convenience benefits are clear to see, from downloading weather reports and navigation charts wherever you are sailing to getting help or maritime rescue in case of accident or medical emergency.

With most of us spending much of our day online, we still want the option of chatting with friends and family, sending photos and emails, or browsing the internet while out on the water.

Maybe you are deterred by preconceptions about service and hardware costs, and the hassle of large, bulky equipment that is unsightly and difficult to install. Or perhaps you still consider satellite communication to be the domain of rich superyacht owners or high-performance racing teams.

The reality is that basic satellite communication (satcom) is accessible for average mid-size boat owners looking for onboard connectivity to enhance their safety, enjoyment and overall experience while cruising with family and friends.
The latest compact domes and cost effective, flexible entry-level service packages combine with advances in satellite technology and global coverage to create a connected future for all sailors.

ENTRY-LEVEL SOLUTION
If you are considering adding satcom to your boat, your wish list will centre on reliable connectivity, easy-to-install equipment and a flexible, affordable service plan. At Inmarsat, we hear that boat owners want the reassurance of access to the internet and the ability to make and receive calls, without having to worry about cellular coverage or network roaming charges.

Inmarsat’s Fleet One was designed to answer those needs, providing basic simultaneous satellite voice and data that is within the reach of any vessel. With global coverage, Fleet One is an entry-level satellite solution for smaller yachts, providing 150kbps connectivity outside MF/HF and GSM coverage. It also has a free voice distress (505) call service that connects leisure users directly to the nearest Search & Rescue team in case of an emergency.

Featuring a compact antenna, Fleet One Global or Coastal Plans deliver in-built safety services and flexible air-time plans, with no need to be tied into a long-term contract. A fixed terminal like Fleet One is ideal because it is fast, reliable, easy to fit and handles both data and voice and all of the above. With WiFi capability, it does not require a handset and is always on – unlike satellite phones which may be out of battery or out of credit.

POWERED BY NEW TECHNOLOGY
Most of us do not need to know the ‘magic’ behind how reliable, global satellite communication is delivered to your yacht, but as owner and operator of its own satellite network, Inmarsat has a launch plan in place that will dramatically boost bandwidth and capacity in the years ahead.

The post Hot Topic: Staying connected at sea – any time, anywhere appeared first on All At Sea.