Wi-Fi at Sea: The Best Connectivity Solutions for Life Offshore
Whether you're sailing coast-to-coast, cruising across the Atlantic, or operating a commercial vessel, staying connected at sea should come as a standard requirement for all. From navigation and safety to remote work and entertainment, having reliable internet offshore can make all the difference.
Satellite connectivity is particularly important once you head beyond coastal cell range. Traditional mobile data doesn’t cut it and that’s where satellite-based marine internet comes in.
At OSAT, we specialize in satellite connectivity solutions designed to keep you online anywhere on the world’s oceans. Here’s a breakdown of the best options for Wi-Fi at sea and the equipment that makes it all possible.
Iridium Certus – Truly Global Coverage
When reliability and reach matter most, Iridium Certus delivers. Leveraging a network of 66 low-earth orbit satellites, Certus provides connectivity from the poles to the equator. It's best for explorers and vessels operating in extreme or high-latitude regions where other systems fall short.
Key Benefits:
- Truly global coverage (including polar regions)
- Multiple hardware options from Cobham and Thales
- Compatible with voice, messaging, and medium-speed data
- Rugged and reliable for harsh marine environments
Inmarsat Fleet One – Cost-Effective Internet for Coastal Cruising
Inmarsat’s Fleet One service is designed for leisure sailors and small vessels operating within regional waters, offering affordable voice and data without the complexity of enterprise-level solutions. It is ideal for coastal cruising, weekend sailors, and small commercial boats.
Key Benefits:
- Easy to use and install
- Flexible airtime packages
- Voice and data connectivity (up to 150 Kbps)
- Perfect for email, weather updates, and light web browsing
VSAT Systems – Enterprise-Grade Marine Connectivity
For larger vessels, oil rigs, superyachts, and cruise ships, a VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) system offers the bandwidth and performance of a floating office. VSATs are great for large-scale operations requiring heavy data use and multi-user access.
Key Benefits:
- High throughput speeds
- Global coverage (depending on satellite provider)
- Ideal for video conferencing, streaming, and business operations at sea
- Customisable with bandwidth guarantees and service level agreements
View Cobham Sailor 900 VSAT System >
Choosing the Right Solution
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Use Case | Recommended Solution | Coverage | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remote expeditions / polar regions | Iridium Certus | Truly global | Medium |
| Coastal and casual cruising | Fleet One | Regional / coastal | Low to medium |
| Large vessels / high data demand | VSAT | Global (provider dependent) | High |
Need Help Picking the Right Setup?
At OSAT, we don’t just sell satellite internet hardware, we help you choose the right solution based on your vessel, route, and data needs. Whether you need a rugged system for a transatlantic crossing or a simple setup for coastal weekends, we’ve got you covered.
