Category: Communications

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Garmin GPSMap 86sci: inReach, GPS and a plethora of tools for boaters

The Garmin GPSMAp 86 family is a powerhouse of communications and connectivity. The dizzying array of technology inside this handheld provides two-way satellite messaging, GPS chart plotting, and integrations with many onboard electronics, all in a compact, weather-resistant, floating case. The marriage of a marine GPS unit with inReach satellite messaging could be the perfect tool for boaters. Can this many capabilities work in one little package? Read on to find out.

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My Island WiFi offers U.S. service – $110 / month for unlimited internet

When Have Another Day visited the Bahamas in 2017 internet connectivity was complex and pricey. In 2018 Island WiFi began renting mobile hotspots with unlimited data; the raves of simplicity and cost-effectiveness from those cruising the Bahamas could be heard all the way back in the states. Many commented that the service was so much better than what they could get in U.S. providers that they wished they could use My Island WiFi’s service in the U.S. Well, now they can, Island WiFi has started offering service in the U.S.

2

VHF-Reimagined – Vesper Marine Announces Cortex

Vesper Marine, a leading manufacturer of innovative marine electronics, announced today a revolution in marine VHF with the release of Cortex. Completely redefining the VHF experience, Cortex is the world’s first radio with wireless touchscreen handsets, built-in Class B SOTDMA smartAIS transponder and remote vessel monitoring.

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Vesper unveils Cortex – combination AIS, VHF radio and boat monitor

Vesper has cemented a reputation for high performance, well-thought-out, feature-rich products. So, when they tease that “The future is coming” as they have in their recent promotional material it’s worth paying attention. It turns out Vesper’s take on the future is about continuing their track record of innovative features while expanding their capabilities to VHF radios and boat monitoring.

14

T-Mobile Test Drive, try out T-Mobile’s network on them

T-Mobile has been busy building out their network and extending their coverage. For many boaters it may be the best compromise of coverage and cost-effectiveness. But, how do you know if their coverage is good enough where you plan to use it? T-Mobile hopes you will take them up on their offer and try 30gb of data and a hot-spot to find out.

15

Visible Part 2: Hands-on testing Verizon’s $40 per month unlimited brand

A couple of weeks ago Visible announced they have removed the 5 megabits per second speed cap making their $40 unlimited plan even more interesting. In my entry on the change I promised I would order a line and see how it worked out. The SIM has arrived and testing is well underway and although it hasn’t been all sunshine and roses I’m going to try using Visible as my main cell carrier

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Inmarsat Fleet One exceeds 5,000 installations milestone

Inmarsat’s Fleet One satellite connectivity solution for the leisure and fishing markets has surpassed the 5,000-installation landmark as the rate of service uptake continues to increase. Reflecting a growing demand from leisure boat owners for Fleet One’s flexible and reliable connectivity anywhere on the world’s oceans, the 5,000-boat milestone has been achieved just three years after the launch of the Global service plan…

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Is Visible’s $40 cell plan better than Verizon’s defunct $65 unlimited hotspot deal?

Visible, a relatively new Verizon subsidiary, has been offering a $40 per month (taxes included) unlimited plan for about a year.  While the plan’s pricing is great, its usefulness has been potentially limited by a 5mbps speed cap. Today Visible announced that they’re removing this speed cap while keeping the rest of the plan the same.  Is this as good as it sounds?

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Announcing the Simrad RS40-B, The First VHF Radio with AIS Transmit/Receive Capability

Simrad Yachting – a leader in the design and manufacture of world-class marine navigation, autopilot, radar, communications and fishfinding systems – announced today the new Simrad RS40-B, the first VHF marine radio with AIS transmit and receive capability. Featuring a sleek design with wireless handset capability, removable fist microphone, Class D DSC functionality, built-in GPS and a Class B AIS Transceiver, the Simrad RS40-B takes VHF marine performance to another level…