Why Managed Consumption is Key to Providing Internet in the Maritime Industry

November 8, 2023

Bandwidth consumption on the high seas can get expensive, but there are ways to manage costs.

managed bandwidth maritime industry digigone

The maritime industry is one of the last frontiers of connectivity. Low-orbit satellites, like Elon Musk’s Starlink, along with a flurry of other satellite companies are exploring shallow space in an effort to bring Internet connectivity to the planet’s most remote locations. Phone calls, video chats, TikTok and who knows what else could soon become standard in an industry that has long been known for isolation. 


Alas, there are still some hurdles. 


Safety4Sea
reported that vessels recently outfitted with Starlink satellite have seen a “dramatic improvement in the communication environment, with up to a 50-fold increase in communication speed, enabling seafarers to make video calls with family members and watch videos, which were difficult in the past.” 


Looking at Starlink’s website specifically for the
maritime industry, the upfront costs aren’t too exorbitant: equipment costs $2,500, and data plans start at $250 per month. The Mobile Priority 1TB plan has a base price of $1,000 per month, or get 5TB for $5,000 a month with “unlimited mobile data inland.” 


Reading the Fine Print

Therein lies part of the problem, that last word: inland. The fine print reads “additional mobile priority data available by the GB.” That’s where the problems arise for vessels: a wide-open gusher of connectivity is unleashed onboard and is as quickly consumed. We’re hearing that some maritime customers are using 1 TB of data in seven days and have monthly airtime bills of $25,000 due to overages. These subsequent costs are substantial. 


So, how can companies manage their new high-speed connectivity, and support vessel operations while still offering crew the opportunity to connect with friends and family while keeping within budget?


True Managed Bandwidth

Managing bandwidth within budget constraints is certainly possible (if not advisable). But, instead of looking at it as an all-you-can-eat buffet, consider this a la carte. Companies can successfully deploy a holistic communications system for crew that includes video calls while still managing vessel systems, including a CCTV system and telemedicine. 


A lot of vessel management companies use a hybrid solution with Starlink as their primary and VSAT as their back up but, they are still having a difficult time staying within their bandwidth plan due to ‘runaway’ application consumption. 


There are managed communication and monitoring applications available that significantly reduce bandwidth consumption while providing the tools to support crew welfare and vessel operation initiatives. Consider crew welfare applications, for example: WhatsApp uses 660Kbps. Zoom is 600Kbps. FaceTime is about 400Kbps and WeChat is 266Kbps. As demonstrated in the graph below, there are managed applications available that use one-seventh the amount of bandwidth.

And there are other managed or bandwidth-sensitive applications that support remote monitoring, telemedicine and other technical support requirements as well. Vessel routers can be configured to direct applications requiring high-speed connections to Starlink while directing other applications to VSAT. The combination of managed applications and connectivity routing allows you to budget  and allocate airtime more efficiently, supporting additional capabilities you have been wanting to employ (such as recurring training, enhanced telemedicine services, and enhanced video monitoring) to enhance vessel operations. In essence, you can do more simultaneously while using much less bandwidth, which equates to higher productivity, happier and safer crew and increased ROI. 

 

How Managed Bandwidth Benefits Companies
1. Better Recruitment and Retention

A 2021 Seafarer Workforce Report had some bleak projections for the maritime labor force: by 2026 there’s an expected shortage of 26,000 officers. Additionally, Drewry, a global consultancy firm, reported more recently the shortfall is at a record high and will have lasting impacts on the maritime industry. Further, they wrote, “The isolation and loneliness of the industry is definitely a factor.” 


Drewry advises companies to look beyond wages and to things like “good communication channels with families at home.”


2. Enhanced Crew Welfare

Having reliable internet access for crews to connect back home is essential. After the pandemic, Marissa Barker, Ph.D., with the University of Washington completed a survey and analysis of seafarer happiness. She found that 45% of mariners reported depression due to lack of access or inadequate access to the internet and 38% reported feelings of depression due to a lack of a cell phone and reliable service. 


3. Successfully Manage All Vessel Functions 

At the end of the day, onboard systems need to work in conjunction with these communication devices. Management teams should also consider the recent Safer Seas Act and the subsequent bandwidth required for CCTV systems, and potential reporting requirements. 


Please contact us for further information on enhancing and streamlining vessel operations as well as secure and efficient communication and monitoring capabilities.


DigiGone is a veteran-owned, service-disabled business based in Largo, Florida, providing custom, managed bandwidth solutions such as digiMed, CrewChat, digiView, and digiChat in the maritime, oil and gas and mining industries. For more information visit digigone.com/telemedicine to request a demonstration. Or email us at info@digigone.com, or call at 1-727-544-2327.

By Mike Dunleavy February 4, 2025
Telemedicine kits are becoming indispensable tools for home healthcare providers, particularly during transition care medical examinations (TCMs). While the initial TCM is conducted by a physician who generates revenue from the service, the telemedicine kit significantly benefits home healthcare providers by expediting patient registration for their care services. With a nurse or medical assistant deploying the kit, patients can be quickly evaluated and connected with a physician, ensuring all necessary documentation and approvals are completed more efficiently. This faster onboarding process allows home healthcare providers to register more patients in less time, helping them deliver care sooner and grow their services efficiently. The ability to “bring the doctor” to the patient through a telemedicine kit is invaluable in initiating care seamlessly. Once patients are on board, home healthcare providers can continue leveraging telemedicine technology to improve how they deliver services. The kits enable nurses and medical assistants to perform follow-up visits, diagnostics, and real-time consultations without requiring patients to leave their homes. This capability allows providers to optimize their schedules and visit more patients daily, all while maintaining a high standard of care. The efficiency gained means better coverage, smarter use of resources, and happier patients. Beyond efficiency, telemedicine kits help providers build stronger connections with their patients by making care more accessible and personalized. Providers can quickly respond to emerging health concerns, adjust care plans, and ensure ongoing monitoring—all from the patient’s home. This not only leads to better patient outcomes but also boosts the provider’s reputation for being reliable and innovative. By facilitating the registration of more patients and enhancing care once they are onboarded, telemedicine kits are powerful tools that enable home healthcare providers to expand their reach, improve operational efficiency, and thrive in an increasingly competitive market. In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, telemedicine kits are revolutionizing how home healthcare providers deliver care, enabling faster patient onboarding, enhanced service delivery, and stronger connections with patients. By integrating this indispensable technology, providers can streamline operations, improve patient outcomes, and position themselves as leaders in care innovation. Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your home healthcare services. Explore how telemedicine kits can help you expand your reach, optimize your resources, and deliver exceptional care. Contact us today to learn more and take the next step toward transforming your care delivery model.
Vessels need 72 terabytes of storage for a year's worth of compressed data for a 15-camera system
February 28, 2024
The Safer Seas Act requires vessels to have complete CCTV systems as well as storage systems to retain at least one year's worth of video and audio recordings. DigiGone offers complete solutions.
man on ship, safer seas act audio requirements
February 5, 2024
With the new Safer Seas Act, vessel companies must comply with many new regulations by the end of the year. One of those requirements includes audio equipment placed outside of hallways leading to staterooms, which DigiGone can help with. And while this may seem burdensome, these new rules will be good for vessel companies in the long run.
The Safer Seas Act requires all vessels to install cameras for recording certain areas.
January 17, 2024
The Safer Seas Act is a new law that aims to create a safer working environment in the maritime industry. It requires all vessels to install cameras for recording certain areas.
Key facts of the safer seas act
December 11, 2023
With the US Coast Guard's recent guidance on the Safer Seas Act, there are several key things vessel companies need to prepare for, including audio and video equipment.
November 8, 2023
Nurses play a critical role in bridging the gap in the acceptance of telemedicine with innovative home visits using "telemedicine kits" that help patients navigate and embrace digital healthcare solutions.
October 25, 2023
Nurse-led telemedicine is redefining home healthcare, blending cutting-edge technology with the irreplaceable human touch to improve access, reduce costs, and build trust. A promising future where quality care is accessible and affordable for all.
Telemedicine Kits and Post Operative Home Care
October 10, 2023
The integration of telemedicine kits into post-op home health care visits is a game changer in hospital cost savings and improved patient recovery.
environmental compliance and video surveillance
September 27, 2023
As the maritime industry moves towards a greener future, the use of cameras can help vessels with environmental compliance. Remote monitoring, strategically placed cameras, reporting and training are all ways that a company can benefit from a video system.
cybersecurity threats and crew welfare
September 6, 2023
As cybersecurity threats grow in the maritime industry, protecting your communications system should be a crew-welfare priority.
Show More
Share by: