Cobham Wireless, a global leader in the provision of advanced wireless coverage and mobile communication systems, has taken part in a pioneering project to enable high-quality LTE on a moving sea vessel using its market-leading digital DAS (Distributed Antenna System). This ensures crew and passengers can enjoy communications services up to 50 km from the shoreline without the need to use expensive and service-limiting IP-over-satellite technology.

While satellite will remain the primary method for communications in open water, when vessels are closer to the coast, DAS can connect to the cellular signal from the land to provide seamless and reliable voice and data services. Using DAS offers cost savings and reduces latency compared to satellite technology.

The system has already been installed into a superyacht and has the potential to be used on any sea faring craft that spends significant periods close to the coastline. Using an external multiband donor antenna positioned outside of the yacht, Cobham Wireless’ DIGImini booster moves the capacity to an internal antenna which provides coverage using SIM cards from three different networks. The system is configured to enable a seamless switch to satellite services when the cellular signal falls below a pre-set level.

Hebert Sedas, director of sales, Cobham Wireless Latin America said, “DAS amplification systems have the potential to set a new standard in marine communications technology, expanding the availability of voice and data services away from being exclusively used for traffic deemed to be high priority.” 

Ian Langley, SVP and GM, Cobham Wireless, added, “Cobham Wireless’ technical experts have a long history of developing solutions to enable access to communications services in the most challenging of environments. By utilising some of the solutions already adopted by the world’s leading mobile operators and network infrastructure companies we are in an excellent position to move into this exciting new market.”