What is the current state of internet coverage in seas around the world? I heard connectivity is very low in some areas.
Also, do you see Starlink improving internet access for ships and their crew?
1 Like
Hey @sinan-ansen !
So, some ships use satellite internet to access the internet while at sea. However, the quality of the service depends on a few things like the size of the ship, the equipment used, and how much money the company is willing to invest.
When ships are closer to the shore, sailors and passengers might be able to use their phones to access the internet. It’s important to keep in mind that satellite internet can be expensive and there are some limitations to the amount of data that can be used. It can also be affected by the weather and other atmospheric conditions, which can impact the quality of the service.
Based on the hearsay - my impression is that almost all large ships have satellite internet onboard - for connection with the office. About 50% of ships also provide some form of internet access to the crew, maybe 25-30% of internet have decent internet for crew - such as 3GB per month access. Some companies charge crew for this access whereas others give it for free. Given seafarers’ hardship - main one being away from the family - many people consider internet access as a human right at this point. I expect soon there will be internet available for crew on all ships. Anglo Eastern recently gave a raving review on Starlink - so maybe that’s the future - 'As connected as any office or home': Anglo-Eastern gives rave Starlink review - Splash247
In fact, we should talk about internet speed rather than internet access here. Companies provide internet to seafarers, but their speed is kb/s. This is also a big problem. Of course, this is not a problem for some companies, but this is the case for most ships.
There are companies that invest in this as in the article Ali sent, but there are actually some problems related to this issue. Satellite internet systems on board automatically track the satellite mechanically. Starlink, on the other hand, has fixed and low-angle tracking technology instead. Therefore, it is not very suitable for the ship until the extra equipment for tracking the satellite is released. But I’m sure the satellite will have an extra equipment for mechanical satellite tracking and the problem will be solved.
As for investing companies, maybe I’ll update my post after their experience 
To this day, the level of internet connection on board the vessels, both in terms of coverage, speed and crew access is still inadequate across the industry but differs greatly depending on the ship manager.
There are several companies that provide internet and communication services to maritime indsutry. I am lising some of them below:
1. Inmarsat: Inmarsat is a global satellite communications provider that offers broadband and high-speed internet services to ships, as well as other industries.
2. Viasat: Viasat is a provider of satellite and wireless communications services, including high-speed internet, to ships and other maritime vessels.
3. KVH Industries: KVH Industries is a global provider of satellite and terrestrial communications services, including high-speed internet, to ships and other maritime vessels.
4. Speedcast: Speedcast is a global provider of satellite communications services, including high-speed internet, to ships and other maritime vessels.
5. Marlink: Marlink is a global provider of satellite and terrestrial communications services, including high-speed internet, to ships and other maritime vessels.
6. Navarino: Navarino is a provider of satellite and terrestrial communications services, including high-speed internet, to ships and other maritime vessels.
7. Intelsat: Intelsat is a provider of satellite communications services, including high-speed internet, to ships and other maritime vessels.
Currently it is not that good as I have heard from some of my seafarer friends. It is even worse in small ship owner companies.
Starlink promises so much in this part. I’m pretty optimistic about it.
me too @chingiz. it can be a game changer
Internet coverage in seas around the world varies, with some areas having better connectivity than others. Typically, coastal areas and shipping routes near land have better coverage due to the proximity to land-based infrastructure. However, as you move further away from land, connectivity tends to degrade. In remote oceanic regions, internet access can be extremely limited or non-existent.
Satellite-based communication systems have been used to provide internet connectivity to ships, but traditional satellite services often suffer from high latency, low bandwidth, and high costs. SpaceX’s Starlink, with its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, has the potential to significantly improve internet access for ships and their crew. The LEO satellites allow for lower latency and higher bandwidth compared to traditional geostationary satellites. As Starlink continues to expand its satellite constellation and coverage area, it is expected to provide better, more reliable, and cost-effective internet connectivity for maritime users, even in remote areas.