Broadband Connectivity at Sea

(Disclosure Statement: The author of this comment is a federal government employee and a member of federal government groups dealing with eNavigation.)

This idea is put forward to engage the public in discussion of a specific eNavigation idea. The idea is that, as part of the U.S. eNavigation program, the federal government should see that broadband data and communications connectivity be extended out to 30 miles from the shore. Such a connectivity infrastructure would permit, for example, high speed Internet service over which multiple providers could furnish data and navigation information products and services to ships.

30 miles is suggested because:
- it is approximately the range of emerging broadband technologies;
- it would cover all the U.S. commercial ports and harbors where navigation is complex; and
- beyond 30 miles (in most cases) the water is so deep and traffic so sparse that navigation is less complex.

Federal government involvement under the eNavigation umbrella is suggested because:
- maritime shipping is interstate so national coverage would be needed to make the capability useful;
- the federal government is situated to “consolidate” the user market so as to make the result commercially attractive to private sector communications providers; and
- federal assets such as shore side real estate, buoys and authorities are available to leverage in establishing transmission sites.

Broadband availability could support, for example:
- the provision of real-time navigation information such as wind, wave, real-time water depth, vessel traffic, etc.;
- single window/single instance reporting by vessels;
- navigation as a web service for recreational boaters;
- alternative communications to VHF radio.

It is envisioned the construction and operation of this connectivity infrastructure would be done as a commercial activity by the private sector and that access, financing, and charges would mimic that of existing broadband networks. The need for new federal regulations or mandatory carriage requirements is unclear.

Comments are sought on this idea, its potential benefits, what outcomes it should produce, constraints and whether it should be pursued as part of the national strategy for eNavigation.