Satellite communications are perfect for offshore sport fishing when faced with no other alternative once away from land-based cellular/GSM networks. 

VSAT technology is used for two-way satellite communications for Internet, data and telephony, typically in rural areas and harsh environments – in this case, maritime environments. VSAT solutions in the maritime market typically include satellite space segment, equipment and phone and Internet services. 

Due to the location of the satellites in combination with the movement of vessels, stabilized antennas with tracking are required. The majority of maritime VSAT antennas range from 60cm to 1.5 meters for Ku-band and 2.4 meters for C-band (though larger C-band antennas are available). 

Data rates typically range from 64Kbps up to 8Mbps, but lower and much higher data rates are available. A remote maritime VSAT system typically consists of two parts: 

• An antenna and transceiver that is placed outdoors, referred to as the Above Deck Unit (ADU) • An indoor unit that interacts with the outdoor unit and controls the antenna, referred to as the Below Deck Unit (BDU) 

A Note About Antennas VSAT installations are associated with higher initial start-up costs due to more-costly equipment and complexity. MSS antennas are generally a smaller alternative, therefore quicker to install. 

Bandwidth Traditional maritime communication systems require vessels to share bandwidth with others, which results in adequate service for the most part to provide basic communication needs. Shared bandwidth does not support large amounts of data we are accustomed to when using other data devices (smart phone, pad, computer laptop). VSAT offers the solution. 

VSAT services enable a guaranteed level of bandwidth to transmit data as well as voice, at broadband level speeds. These exclusively reserved channels are determined by the following elements, which are important to understand in determining the best solution to match your needs: 

Read This Before You Buy a Satellite Phone It is important to compare satellite phones and other satellite equipment to ensure they match your critical personal communications needs: 

• What do you need to be able to do with your satellite phone or device? 
• Will you make calls and use text messaging? 
• Do you need to have Internet and/or broadcast capabilities? 
• Do you need basic email access? 
• Would you like to be able to use your smartphone or tablet for satellite voice and/or data access? 
• Do you want to be able to send SOS alerts, track your location or make a quick call in case of emergency? Off course! 

Many satellite phones offer data services but few offer Internet access and most have very limited bandwidth. However, many popular online functions can be carried out with an added accessory to a standard phone. Other devices connect directly to a smartphone via built-in Wi-Fi. These services are terrific for anyone using a smartphone who is on the go or off the grid so to speak. 

A Note About Antennas VSAT installations are associated with higher initial start-up costs due to more-costly equipment and complexity. MSS antennas are generally a smaller alternative, therefore quicker to install. 

Because of the increasing implementation of the Ku-Band, it is expected to bring the highest growth. The market is expected to move from the MSS to VSAT specifically using the KU_BAN due to the various advantage of the VSAT that is being provided to the marine user’s one being the cost- effective uses of technologies). 

Satellite Airtime Options Before now, the reason for opting for a pay per use MSS system over VSAT was that you only paid for what you use, but as business moves further online, this notion has been challenged significantly, as bandwidth requirements continue to rapidly increase – along with costs if using MSS. 

When deciding what airtime option to choose, it is important to know that most satellite networks offer ongoing monthly service, or the option to purchase a fixed amount of prepaid airtime to use in a defined period. 

Monthly Plans can provide peace-of-mind. You will have uninterrupted ongoing service without having to keep monitoring and replenishing your airtime. Prepaid Plans Offer budget-control. Pre-paying for airtime is a good option if you want to remain within your budget or if your needs are intermittent. 

A traditional reason for opting for a pay per use MSS system over VSAT was that you only paid for what you use, but as business moves further online, this notion has been challenged significantly, as bandwidth requirements continue to rapidly increase – along with costs if using MSS. 

Even many new, faster MSS services cannot cost effectively support business critical operations today in the same way that VSAT supports daily communications onboard. With VSAT, vessels are always connected to the Internet and are not forced to use the system restrictively or limit access when a cost threshold is approaching, or worse, cease access all together when a limit is met. 

Satellite Networks A satellite phone or communications device is only as good as the network behind it. Be sure to research the features within your network options. This weighs heavily on choosing the right product for your needs. 

Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) provides two-way voice and data communications to global users who are on the go or travel to remote locations. 

MSS terminals are typically much smaller than VSAT antennas and can range in size from being handheld to the size of a computer laptop. 

The choice between VSAT and MSS is not as simple as choosing one or the other. The two solutions are symbiotic and it is not uncommon for commercial vessels with VSAT solutions to run a parallel MSS solution. Choose based on the facts and forethought of your anticipated used and travel footprint or opt for a bundled solution: 

In recognizing this increasing demand for VSAT and MSS solutions, service providers are now offering bundled solutions with VSAT packaged with an MSS back up. Some even offer “all inclusive” solutions with VSAT, MSS, hardware AND software. 

Conclusion/Food For Thought Due to the increase in need of trusted and cost-effective communication services, maritime satellite market is expected to grow from USD 3.20 billion in 2018 to USD 8.30 billion by 2026. 

VSAT options on the market today are lighter and smaller in size than other than ever and can include: 

• Tools that provide you to control data usage, including data allocation, customized text and email alerts. 
• Streamlined” all-in-one” units with an antenna control unit, high-throughput modem, VoIP adapter, network management software as well as integrated Wi-Fi /Ethernet switches. 
• 24/7 global support 

The market is expected to move from the MSS to VSAT specifically using the “KU_BAN.” It lends advantages to the VSAT that are not currently being provided, and it is a more cost-effective technology. Stay tuned for more information on KU-BAN, Doods…