Here’s a new, easy, cost-effective way to stay connected almost anywhere in the world that was just unveiled at the Palm Beach International Boat Show. It’s a new subscription service by FMC GlobalSat that uses Kymeta’s flat-panel antenna for satellite communications.
“We believe that our 4G solution can be a game-changer for private vessels that want full-time broadband connectivity,” Emmanuel Cotrel, the CEO of FMC GlobalSat, told me. “Our offering is self-contained and maintenance-free, has no moving parts, and it weighs less than 100 pounds.” FMC GlobalSat has just formed a partnership with Nauti-Tech to offer the service to the recreational marine market. Both companies are based in Fort Lauderdale.
FMC GlobalSat’s service provides up to 150Mbps bandwidth on 4G networks, and 5Mbps on HTS service. The 4G service is available in 180 countries around the world with coverage through 53 satellites.
The service includes a local phone number with unlimited calling to 46 countries, voice mail and conferences with up to 50 participants. FMC GlobalSat provides bundled wireless and satellite connections with hardware, software and 24/7 support services all for a monthly fee.
You pay a one-time set up and accessories fee of $5,380 that includes the Kymeta flat-panel antenna, SIM cards, wi-fi modem, and antenna amplifier. Monthly fees range from $1,543 for 10GB to $7,750 for 400GB.
The Kymeta flat-panel antenna does not move (it’s just the housing for all the software inside), and it has a slim, lightweight profile that’s particularly attractive for use on a boat. Read more:
