Satellite Connectivity at Sea: A smart boat ecosystem with Iridium Go! exec®
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Satellite Connectivity at Sea: A smart boat ecosystem with Iridium Go! exec®

27 Sep 2024

As maritime satellite communication technology takes the onboard user experience to another level, technology companies, maritime businesses, and governments are coming together to deliver a smart boat ecosystem – with additional features previously reserved only for large vessels such as videoconferencing and remote maintenance. Whether you’re a business owner, a leisure user of digital services, or an adventure enthusiast with sights on new horizons from your boat, staying connected at sea and enjoying seamless network access anywhere on the planet is becoming more and more commonplace.

Today, connectivity – facilitated over onboard communications systems as well as personal smart devices – is a vital consideration in the maritime world – no more an afterthought or a ‘good-to-have’ perk. Innovative marine satellite connectivity solutions, such as Iridium Go! exec®, are empowering boats with real-time communications capabilities, offering owners, crew members, and maritime users with unparalleled voice and data services in any environment.

As the small boats sector is evolving and poised to become a $23.2 billion industry by 2032, the demand for cost-effective and space-saving maritime satellite communication systems and intuitive digitally-enhanced services is also increasing. From simple weather updates and emergency services for safe journeys to tracking solutions and entertainment services for a truly unperturbed downtime so far from home, maritime users today expect a connected vessel for their evolving requirements. In fact, satellite connectivity solutions are also ensuring that boat owners can remotely monitor onboard systems and conduct remote diagnoses to preserve their assets in an unpredictable seascape.

Iridium Go! exec®: Off-the-grid Portable Wireless Access

On small boats, space is a vital consideration before installing or integrating any onboard system. Iridium Go! exec® is a state-of-the-art device – the first portable, touchscreen-enabled hotspot – that enables voice and data communications on any vessel, anywhere you set sail. Delivering reliable connectivity without compromising on performance, Iridium Go! exec® is perfect in challenging environment conditions where cellular networks are unavailable.

Iridium go exec

Battery-powered and compact, Iridium Go! exec® quickly connects to your laptop, smartphone, or tablet and brings Iridium’s truly global coverage onboard your boat. The omni-directional antenna automatically connects to the satellite network to create a smart boat ecosystem that is unique to your requirements at sea.

Boat owners and crew members can make phone calls directly from Iridium Go! exec® or from up to 100 feet when paired with a smart device. Interestingly, Iridium Go! exec® can be used as a powerbank for smart devices as well!

Iridium Go! exec® comes equipped with exciting features, including:

  • High-speed data up to 22 Kbps (uplink) and 88 Kbps (downlink), enabling email access & GPS tracking
  • Voice connectivity for clear phone calls
  • Integrated speaker and mic for high-quality conversations
  • Long-lasting battery with up to 6 hours of talk-time for extended trips
  • IP65 rating for weather-resistant performance

Iridium Go! exec® has been designed especially to serve the distinct needs of small boats:

  • Navigation Support: With GPS tracking and maps, precise navigation capabilities ensure efficient and hazard-free boat journeys
  • Team Communications: Availability of reliable onboard communications empowers team mates to coordinate strategies in ever-evolving maritime conditions
  • Emergency Response: In any emergency, dependable satellite connectivity provides a lifeline to facilitate a rescue action for small boats
  • Real-time Weather Updates: Crucial for safe navigation, real-time weather data helps boat owners and crew members to make informed decisions about routes and schedules
  • Remote Access: A game-changer for small boats, remote access to critical information empowers key decision-makers no matter where the boat ventures

Iridium Certus® 100: Reliable Satellite Communications at Sea

Iridium Certus® 100 complements the pioneering capabilities of Iridium Go! exec® to deliver a comprehensive maritime satellite communication system. Iridium Certus® 100 is ideal for boat owners who require a higher bandwidth in the demanding maritime environment.

Especially designed and optimised for small boats, Iridium Certus® 100 brings onboard a truly global marine satellite connectivity solution that operates over the Iridium network. With high-speed data capabilities and high-quality dual voice lines, Iridium Certus® 100 enables real-time asset monitoring, remote management, IoT data transfers, and much more.

Iridium go exec

Iridium Certus® 100 comes equipped with exciting features, including:

  • Data up to 22 Kbps (uplink) and 88 Kbps (downlink), supporting IoT applications
  • Low-latency coverage for quicker data transfers
  • Truly global satellite connectivity, even in polar regions
  • Voice connectivity for clear phone calls
  • Compact, lightweight, and easy-to-install antenna

Iridium Certus® 100 has been designed especially to serve the distinct needs of small boats:

  • High-quality Voice Communications: Up to two simultaneous high-quality voice lines support critical communications at sea
  • Remote Vessel Monitoring: Support for IoT apps enables real-time monitoring of vessel systems for enhanced safety and operational efficiency
  • Weather Resilience: Iridium’s resilient L-band frequency facilitates connectivity in adverse weather conditions
  • Data Transfers: Optimised applications such as OneMail and OneShare by IEC Telecom over Iridium Certus® 100 allow teams to exchange large data files
  • Remote Work: Videoconferencing with OneAssist by IEC Telecom over Iridium Certus® 100 empowers onboard users to stay up-to-date and connected at sea

Iridium Go! exec® & Iridium Certus® 100: Maximised Communication Capabilities

Powered by Iridium Certus® 100, Iridium Go! exec® enriches the onboard communications experience with portable wireless access for voice and data communications, anywhere on the planet. With multi-user access for up to two voice calls or multiple data connections simultaneously, boat owners can get the most out of their smart devices, optimised apps, and enhanced remote access capabilities.

Iridium Go! exec® delivers portability and convenience while Iridium Certus® 100 offers broader communications options. When in use together, these powerful tools ensure comprehensive maritime satellite internet services, real-time data access, and remote operations management.

iridium go exec app

Iridium Go! exec® App

Connect to the fantastic Iridium Go! exec® app on your smartphone, laptop, tablet, or Iridium Go! exec® hotspot device for satellite connectivity over which you can:

  • support voice calls and messaging apps such as WhatsApp and iMessage
  • enable Iridium’s Connection Manager to control airtime consumption
  • access pre-configured firewall settings for optimised apps
  • update firmware on-the-go

Iridium Go! exec®: An Exciting New Data Plan

With a new unlimited data plan on Iridium Go! exec®, small boat owners can avail a low-cost package for maritime satellite internet services with a monthly commitment option, 50 minutes of voice calls included for free, and no unexpected data overconsumption charges.

This new service plan offers unlimited IP data with a special activation credit for subscribers that opt for a 12-month commitment.

Level up the onboard connectivity experience with Iridium Go! exec® and the truly global Iridium satellite communications network.

Iridium Go! exec® vs Traditional Satellite Phones: A Maritime Perspective

The challenging environment at sea can affect connectivity services, potentially endangering the lives and safety of people onboard a small boat. Ensuring a clear communications link can mean the difference between a successful journey and a hazardous situation. While traditional satellite phones do provide this communications link, Iridium Go! exec® elevates the connectivity experience with consistent coverage without gaps – even in polar regions.

Iridium Go! exec® empowers maritime users with both voice and data capabilities, delivering broader communications options at sea. Besides clear phone calls, Iridium Go! exec® also allows users to access emails, weather reports, real-time critical information, GPS tracking, and more – all over their personal smart devices.

iridium go exec

Value-Added Services by IEC Telecom

IEC Telecom Group is committed to empowering the maritime community with opportunities for digital transformation. With its value-added services and specially designed applications that operate in a low bandwidth environment, IEC Telecom offers an enriched maritime satellite communication experience onboard small boats.

OptiConnect applications increase operational efficiency, save on the cost and complex logistics of maritime maintenance processes, optimise capital investment requirements, and much more.

OneTeam: This optimised messaging and videoconferencing solution for the low bandwidth environment delivers crisp and high-quality communications at sea. Crew members can simultaneously communicate with real-time voice, text, video, and data transfers as well as stay in touch with friends and family. Moreover, OneTeam allows experts from HQ and vendors to examine an onboard issue first-hand via video stream and guide teams in real-time to fix a problem without the need to send a technician after extensive coordination efforts and potential time delays.

OneAssist: This optimised hands-free video solution for remote maintenance is perfect for IoT data visualisation, guided workflow, document navigations, and remote mentor video calling. With secure voice-controlled interactions, crew members can share snapshots of ongoing onboard concerns, stay in touch with HQ, and receive live technical assistance from shore experts even in hard-to-reach environments. Additionally, OneAssist enables both peer-to-peer and multi-party video and audio calls in real-time.

OptiSoft applications are affordable for all vessel types and are designed to offer advanced communications even in a low bandwidth environment.

OneMailLite: This optimised and cost-effective email service for small vessels supports simple email management, both onboard and remotely. From restricting unnecessary emails from getting through to the server and compressing files up to 95% to keeping user data safe with multiple virus scanners and spam filters to resuming data transfers from the point-of-interruption, OneMailLite saves time and resources for customers who require no more than one email address per vessel.

With no dearth of satcom solutions for small boats today, maritime users can indeed bring onboard a bespoke communications environment to enrich their voyages at sea.

Contacts for media inquiries: marketing@iec-telecom.com | +971 (0)4 447 5180