Oceanic comms via an Android phone?

[zoidberg]

It appears that new business deals emerging will see the launch - or inclusion - of several such services. Read about it here.

Techno-nerds may already be aware of these interesting developments - Apple iPhone already has something akin to such a service - and I'm hoping those who know and understand the world of mobile communications will be able to add something helpful in these columns. Certainly, I'll be following with interest.... and saving up my bawbees for a new phone.

 

[Koeketiene]

Musk is apparently working on something similar.
The 'Tesla Model Pi' - the phone would be using the Starlink network.
Now scheduled for some time this year - though I will believe that when it happens.

Tesla Model Pi 2023 (5G): Official Price, [January] & Release Date

 

[Laser310]

It appears that new business deals emerging will see the launch - or inclusion - of several such services. Read about it here.

Techno-nerds may already be aware of these interesting developments - Apple iPhone already has something akin to such a service - and I'm hoping those who know and understand the world of mobile communications will be able to add something helpful in these columns. Certainly, I'll be following with interest.... and saving up my bawbees for a new phone.

The apple and android services will be much like what is currently available on SPOT ot Garmin InReach devices.

Apple is, for now, limiting the service to requests for emergency service, but imagine they will ultimately allow normal texting too. The Android service will allow texting from the start.

Basically, these devices(Inreach and spot) use satellites - inreach uses iridium and SPOT uses Globalstar - to permit SMS texting. This is how texting was in the old days - 160 characters. They also permit the user to setup tracking so that those at home can follow them. The other function they have is an SOS button that submits an emergency notification to a private rescue coordination service. You can not get emails or gribs or anything like that over these.

I have an InReach Mini - it's a really useful device. I also have and Iridium Go and an Iridium handset, but I sail a lot on other people's boats that have onboard sat communication - often FBB, or V-Sat, or something like that. I bring my inreach mini along so that I have some way of being in touch with those at home that does not involve using the boat comms. Usually, texting is all i need. The cost is very reasonable.

I also carry the inreach mini for things like ski-touring (i often go alone), hiking in remote areas etc.

I will certainly be keeping my eye on these new services.

I imagine they will expand the service to voice and maybe data over satellite at some time.

I'm an iphone guy, and don't want to switch to android, so i'm a little unhappy that apple has chosen Globalstar. Most sailors that used globalstar phones back in the early days of sat comms found the service unreliable, and nearly everyone moved to Iridium. As I said, the inreach uses the Iridium satellite constellation, and it works really well. Maybe Globalstar is better now. I had a SPOT for a while, and I guess it was okay....

 

[Kelpie]

We've been using an inReach and can't fault it. You can upgrade to the unlimited package (€65/month) when you need it, then cancel it when you're done. There's not really anything essential you need to know that can't be described in a few texts.

A system allowing mobiles to directly connect to satellites would be good, but the Garmin only cost £200 secondhand and that's really all that you'd save with a direct service.

 

[eebygum]

We've been using an inReach and can't fault it. You can upgrade to the unlimited package (€65/month) when you need it, then cancel it when you're done. There's not really anything essential you need to know that can't be described in a few texts.

A system allowing mobiles to directly connect to satellites would be good, but the Garmin only cost £200 secondhand and that's really all that you'd save with a direct service.

Ive been on inReach 5 years and like the Freedom Plan where I can unsubscribe for 7 months of the year and then res-subscribe in expedition mode when I'm cruising; never had any issues with reception and it's usually kept just inside the cockpit. I'm not sure I want to be in touch for more than 160 characters at time when I'm sailing !

 

[Laser310]

I am thinking of upgrading to the in reach mini 2.

According to reviews, the iphone interface app is much better, but the real advantage is the battery life. If the reviews are correct, you can have it set to a 10min tracking interval for about 14 days on a single charge. The regular mini seems to need charging nearly every day on a tracking interval much greater than that. on long trips, I basically leave it plugged in all the time on the boat if i can. Apparently this improvement is due to a much more efficient chipset.

also the mini 2 charges via usb c, where as the older mini is micro usb.

when I read about these new phones having sat communication, I had second thoughts about the inreach upgrade, but because (at least for now) the iphone is emergency only, I am pretty sure I will get the mini 2.

 

[Laser310]

It's also worth discussing the Tesla phone. That will use the Starlink satellites.

Many boaters are using starlink now, 10's to sometimes hundreds of miles or more offshore. Mostly they are using the RV (campervan) version, or the newer unit designed to give service while in motion. The RV unit does work often in motion but is not guaranteed to.

The thing with Starlink is they are not using the marine service, which for now is quite expensive and is targeted at commercial users.

So, the question is: is the tesla phone going to work at sea.., and if so, how far offshore?

Right now, Starlink is letting people connect while offshore, but they don't have to, and could stop it at any time. The terms of service are for terrestrial or near shore use.

I have no doubt that some plan for offshore use will be available on the phone at some time, but it might be expensive.

At least with the inreach, i know it can be used offshore.

 

[Koeketiene]

It's also worth discussing the Tesla phone. That will use the Starlink satellites.

The thing with Starlink is they are not using the marine service, which for now is quite expensive and is targeted at commercial users.

So, the question is: is the tesla phone going to work at sea.., and if so, how far offshore?

That is indeed the big queston.

If the Tesla Pi comes with a 'hotspot' function and it works underway, than this would be the way to go (IMHO).
And, this goes without saying, if it's affordable.

There's a FB group with people who use Starling on boats: Starlink On Boats | Facebook

Whilst reports of use at anchor and near the shore are (very) good, reception under sail not so much.

We have Starlink at home (the only way to get decent broadband when you live in the sticks in rural Brittany) and before we installed the satelite dish at home I attempted to use it on the boat.
It worked well at anchor, but once underway, it went in standby/searching mode.
Also, the power draw was not insignificant.
Hence my preference for the Tesla phone: when it comes, if it works at sea and if it's affordable.