Maritime SatComs - Internet, Phone and TV at Sea

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Maritime Satellite Communications - Internet, Phone and TV at Sea 
These days if you are far from civilisation on land, in the air or at sea then you will probably find your trusty mobile phone is no longer able to provide the communications you need.

Maritime VSAT Broadband & VoIP

There are several options for broadband at sea. They range from small low data rate terminals for small yachts with antenna sizes ranging from very small ~5cm to larger ~90cm antennas for larger vessels and ships.

Iridium Services

Iridium has the smallest terminals and near total global coverage thanks to its fleet of low earth orbitting satellites. They utilise a handset, power amp and interfacing module and a small omni directional antenna about the size of a soft drinks can ~3cm diameter and ~10cm high. Standard data rates start low in the region of 2.4 kbps but with compression can be up to 10 kbps. This is enough to provide a single voice line, basic email, internet and also SMS between Iridium phones. Cost is approx. £1800.

Using 66 cross-linked satellites the coverage is pretty much total and this is probably the only service with polar coverage as well as all of the oceans.

Iridium OpenPort is a newer high speed version with data rates upto 128 kbps and a larger antenna ~6cm diameter and only ~2 cm high. This provides 3 independant Voice lines and simultaneous data at rates from 9.6 to 128 kbps. All IP based with per MB pricing. Cost is approx. £3000. Iridium OpenPort is connected to the  Iridium global commercial communication network,  providing pole-to-pole coverage for ships at sea. The lightweight, low profile satellite  antenna has no moving parts and can be installed and integrated  with existing systems on ships of any size. There are three separate phone lines so that there is less chance of the line being in use on a large vessel with many crew.

Inmarsat Fleet Broadband

FleetBroadband is probably the first maritime communications service to provide a cost-effective broadband data and voice service at the same time across the globe. There are three types of terminal with different capabilities and          sizes. With all of the service options below the service provides for IP which is the protocol used for the internet, email, and just about anything you would normally use the internet for. So where we say internet and email (IP) this is what we mean. Streaming refers to the ability to stream video such as with video conferencing and this requires a largely unbroken connection which is why it is listed separately.The Inmarsat FB150
This is the entry-level service for small to medium-sized vessels and offers          standard internet and email (IP) up to 150kbps. The antenna is 29.1cm in diameter which is very small.      
The Inmarsat FB250
          This terminal offers standard internet and email (IP) up to 284kbps and streaming IP up to 128kbps. The antenna is slightly larger at 32cm in          diameter but this is still small compared to most satellite TV antenna which are around 60cm.
The Inmarsat FB500
          The largest and most versatile terminal provides standard internet and email (IP) up to 432kbps and streaming IP up to 256kbps. This terminal has a comparable antenna size to satellite TV and is 60cm in          diameter. 

These terminals are intended for maritime use only and can also support voice, fax and SMS messaging. However, the FB150 does not support fax.

Inmarsat supports ISDN at 64kbps so that you can use the terminals with standard ISDN equipment. 

Each terminal has the above deck unit (ADU) which is the antenna and the below deck unit (BDU) with sockets for LAN network (internet, email and so on), telephone input, DC power input and the single coax connection to the antenna.

What else is there? 

HF Email (Amateur Radio Services)

HF email is availble for users of HF radio using systems like  Winlink (the ham HF email system).
You  can access weather forecasts, weather satellite pictures, wind and wave forecasts,  and more. These files are essentially sent as email and the service is free.

If you don't need broadband full internet and email with TV thrown in and you have an Amateur Radio Licence then why not have a look at the WinLink website:

Winlink 2000
Winlink 2000 (WL2K) is a worldwide system of volunteer resources supporting e-mail by radio, with non-commercial links to internet e-mail. These resources come from Amateur Radio, the Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS), and other volunteer organizations. The system provides valuable service to emergency communicators, and to licensed radio operators without access to the internet. The all-volunteer Winlink Development Team (WDT) is committed to continuous improvement using modern computer and networking technology with the most efficient and effective radio modes and digital protocols for local, regional and long-distance applications.
You must hold an Amateur Radio license or be a member of a supported organization or agency to use the Winlink 2000 system. Usage and software is free for all who qualify. 
Winlink 2000 is an all-volunteer, non-profit project of the Amateur Radio Safety Foundation, Inc. (ARSFI). It functions only through the unselfish efforts of hundreds of Amateur Radio operators around the world, your membership in ARSFI, and your donations. 
For more information visit http://www.winlink.org/

Maritime Satellite Service Providers

There are many many providers of internet and telephone services to the Maritime market and below are just a few...

KVH Industries is offering the TracNet 2.0 High-speed Internet System with an expanded array of features. Among these enhancements are the ability to maintain a two-way Internet connection even when the TracVision antenna is being used for satellite TV reception. 
 "TracNet 2.0 is a dynamic link to the Internet, e-mail, and company networks thanks to its combination of high-powered mobile DirecPC downloads, built-in networking, and extended coverage capabilities," explained Ian Palmer, KVH vice president of satellite sales. "No other system can offer the range of capabilities built into TracNet 2.0, such as Internet downloads at  speeds reaching 400 Kbps and simultaneous Internet access by up to 5 separate users. The first TracNet was a breakthrough combination of technology. We have now built on that initial success and launched an even more versatile system. Whether you need Internet access for business, pleasure, or vital information, TracNet 2.0 is your gateway to the Internet, wherever you travel." 
For more information on TracNet visit http://www.kvh.com/MarineSat

Wired Ocean Ltd

As ship communications move into the broadband era, the usage pattern changes from email to internet. Typical internet use consists of relatively small amounts of data (such as webpage or search requests) being sent, with much larger amounts of data (for example web pages and internet content) being received. While mobile satellite services are suitable for transmitting the relatively small amounts of sent data, they are not well suited for transmitting the much larger amounts of received data. Their limited capacity (bandwidth) results in high usage costs and relatively slow transmission speeds. 

Wired Ocean uses a ‘hybrid’ technology that integrates mobile satellites and television broadcast satellites to deliver high speed maritime internet. Data speeds are increased and usage costs are greatly reduced by using high capacity broadcast satellites to deliver data to ships and mobile satellites to send data from ships. Equipment costs are minimized by making use of the communications and television equipment on board vessels. 

The service is ideal for high volume applications such as internet browsing, downloading email with attachments, obtaining electronic manuals and weather and navigation data for bridge and critical systems. It’s also well suited for crew internet needs such as email, news, sport and web browsing. 

Ship communications can be upgraded for affordable broadband by installing a Wired Ocean S-Box. It seamlessly integrates Wired Ocean’s shore to ship service with the vessel’s communications systems. The S-Box has everything needed to make internet connection easy, safe and secure, without installing any software on the vessel’s computers. 
For more information visit http://www.wiredocean.com/

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Satcoms UK Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Administration Satcoms UK Joined: 29/March/2001 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 552	Post Options Post Reply Quote Satcoms UK Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Maritime SatComs - Internet, Phone and TV at Sea Posted: 09/July/2011 at 17:47
	Maritime Satellite Communications - Internet, Phone and TV at Sea These days if you are far from civilisation on land, in the air or at sea then you will probably find your trusty mobile phone is no longer able to provide the communications you need. Maritime VSAT Broadband & VoIP There are several options for broadband at sea. They range from small low data rate terminals for small yachts with antenna sizes ranging from very small ~5cm to larger ~90cm antennas for larger vessels and ships. Iridium Services Iridium has the smallest terminals and near total global coverage thanks to its fleet of low earth orbitting satellites. They utilise a handset, power amp and interfacing module and a small omni directional antenna about the size of a soft drinks can ~3cm diameter and ~10cm high. Standard data rates start low in the region of 2.4 kbps but with compression can be up to 10 kbps. This is enough to provide a single voice line, basic email, internet and also SMS between Iridium phones. Cost is approx. £1800. Using 66 cross-linked satellites the coverage is pretty much total and this is probably the only service with polar coverage as well as all of the oceans. Iridium OpenPort is a newer high speed version with data rates upto 128 kbps and a larger antenna ~6cm diameter and only ~2 cm high. This provides 3 independant Voice lines and simultaneous data at rates from 9.6 to 128 kbps. All IP based with per MB pricing. Cost is approx. £3000. Iridium OpenPort is connected to the Iridium global commercial communication network, providing pole-to-pole coverage for ships at sea. The lightweight, low profile satellite antenna has no moving parts and can be installed and integrated with existing systems on ships of any size. There are three separate phone lines so that there is less chance of the line being in use on a large vessel with many crew. Inmarsat Fleet Broadband FleetBroadband is probably the first maritime communications service to provide a cost-effective broadband data and voice service at the same time across the globe. There are three types of terminal with different capabilities and sizes. With all of the service options below the service provides for IP which is the protocol used for the internet, email, and just about anything you would normally use the internet for. So where we say internet and email (IP) this is what we mean. Streaming refers to the ability to stream video such as with video conferencing and this requires a largely unbroken connection which is why it is listed separately. The Inmarsat FB150 This is the entry-level service for small to medium-sized vessels and offers standard internet and email (IP) up to 150kbps. The antenna is 29.1cm in diameter which is very small. The Inmarsat FB250 This terminal offers standard internet and email (IP) up to 284kbps and streaming IP up to 128kbps. The antenna is slightly larger at 32cm in diameter but this is still small compared to most satellite TV antenna which are around 60cm. The Inmarsat FB500 The largest and most versatile terminal provides standard internet and email (IP) up to 432kbps and streaming IP up to 256kbps. This terminal has a comparable antenna size to satellite TV and is 60cm in diameter. These terminals are intended for maritime use only and can also support voice, fax and SMS messaging. However, the FB150 does not support fax. Inmarsat supports ISDN at 64kbps so that you can use the terminals with standard ISDN equipment. Each terminal has the above deck unit (ADU) which is the antenna and the below deck unit (BDU) with sockets for LAN network (internet, email and so on), telephone input, DC power input and the single coax connection to the antenna. What else is there? HF Email (Amateur Radio Services) HF email is availble for users of HF radio using systems like Winlink (the ham HF email system). You can access weather forecasts, weather satellite pictures, wind and wave forecasts, and more. These files are essentially sent as email and the service is free. If you don't need broadband full internet and email with TV thrown in and you have an Amateur Radio Licence then why not have a look at the WinLink website: Winlink 2000 Winlink 2000 (WL2K) is a worldwide system of volunteer resources supporting e-mail by radio, with non-commercial links to internet e-mail. These resources come from Amateur Radio, the Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS), and other volunteer organizations. The system provides valuable service to emergency communicators, and to licensed radio operators without access to the internet. The all-volunteer Winlink Development Team (WDT) is committed to continuous improvement using modern computer and networking technology with the most efficient and effective radio modes and digital protocols for local, regional and long-distance applications. You must hold an Amateur Radio license or be a member of a supported organization or agency to use the Winlink 2000 system. Usage and software is free for all who qualify. Winlink 2000 is an all-volunteer, non-profit project of the Amateur Radio Safety Foundation, Inc. (ARSFI). It functions only through the unselfish efforts of hundreds of Amateur Radio operators around the world, your membership in ARSFI, and your donations. For more information visit http://www.winlink.org/ Maritime Satellite Service Providers There are many many providers of internet and telephone services to the Maritime market and below are just a few... KVH Industries is offering the TracNet 2.0 High-speed Internet System with an expanded array of features. Among these enhancements are the ability to maintain a two-way Internet connection even when the TracVision antenna is being used for satellite TV reception. "TracNet 2.0 is a dynamic link to the Internet, e-mail, and company networks thanks to its combination of high-powered mobile DirecPC downloads, built-in networking, and extended coverage capabilities," explained Ian Palmer, KVH vice president of satellite sales. "No other system can offer the range of capabilities built into TracNet 2.0, such as Internet downloads at speeds reaching 400 Kbps and simultaneous Internet access by up to 5 separate users. The first TracNet was a breakthrough combination of technology. We have now built on that initial success and launched an even more versatile system. Whether you need Internet access for business, pleasure, or vital information, TracNet 2.0 is your gateway to the Internet, wherever you travel." For more information on TracNet visit http://www.kvh.com/MarineSat Wired Ocean Ltd As ship communications move into the broadband era, the usage pattern changes from email to internet. Typical internet use consists of relatively small amounts of data (such as webpage or search requests) being sent, with much larger amounts of data (for example web pages and internet content) being received. While mobile satellite services are suitable for transmitting the relatively small amounts of sent data, they are not well suited for transmitting the much larger amounts of received data. Their limited capacity (bandwidth) results in high usage costs and relatively slow transmission speeds. Wired Ocean uses a ‘hybrid’ technology that integrates mobile satellites and television broadcast satellites to deliver high speed maritime internet. Data speeds are increased and usage costs are greatly reduced by using high capacity broadcast satellites to deliver data to ships and mobile satellites to send data from ships. Equipment costs are minimized by making use of the communications and television equipment on board vessels. The service is ideal for high volume applications such as internet browsing, downloading email with attachments, obtaining electronic manuals and weather and navigation data for bridge and critical systems. It’s also well suited for crew internet needs such as email, news, sport and web browsing. Ship communications can be upgraded for affordable broadband by installing a Wired Ocean S-Box. It seamlessly integrates Wired Ocean’s shore to ship service with the vessel’s communications systems. The S-Box has everything needed to make internet connection easy, safe and secure, without installing any software on the vessel’s computers. For more information visit http://www.wiredocean.com/
	Satcoms UK The Satellite Communications Community and Resources Website.

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