A report published by the Federal Communications Commission on January 6 details new rules to allow satellite earth stations on vessels. Called ESVs, these stations operate in the C-band and Ku-Band frequencies and allow for broadband internet access on ships. The report indicates that ESvs have been used for several years to provide communications including internet access on cruise ships, ferries and cargo vessels and barges.
Section II of the report contains an interesting history of use of ESv's on ships dating back to a petition filed by Crestcomm Transmissions Service, Inc. in December, 1991.
The publishing of the rules follow a statement from the FCC Commissioner Michael K. Powell on December 15, 2004 supporting the availability of broadband communications across the oceans.
The ubiquitous internet takes another step forward!
