If you’re just cruising around the harbor, you can probably get by with a simple cell phone, but if you’re out of sight of shoreline, sport fishing, or serious boating, you’ll need a satellite phone system for your vessel. . In fact, this is something to take seriously, that is, if you value your life and would rather surf or surf with a safety net. So, let’s talk about the Marine KVH TracPhone FB150, which works with the Inmarsat satellite communication system.

First, let’s start by realizing that this is indeed a class act system, and you don’t have to worry about the challenges we normally face when dropping calls on our cell phones that run over the 3G networks of Verizon, AT&T or Sprint. . The TracPhone FB150 is a true broadband data service and communication device. The phone system works through Inmarsat’s FleetBroadband service plan. It is the ideal system for boats and vessels 40 feet and up. I say this because this system is not free or cheap to buy and install.

Inmarsat’s newest 1-4 satellite constellation system is state of the art, which means it will be around for the next 10 years, unless you get the solar flare from hell. The voice is really crystal clear in all aspects. If you can afford it, you should have one. Otherwise, and if you want to save money, the next basic option would be to rely on your smartphone, perhaps a Blackberry, iPhone or Google Nexus One running preferably on the new 4G network, or perhaps the old 3G. the net.

In that case, you can find great cell phone calling plans for your smartphone and data device online by shopping around and then get that service through one of the major carriers like Alltel, Nextel, Sprint, Verizon, or AT&T. It is also recommended to buy at the best price and know how much each phone is really worth; otherwise, some cell phone stores will hide the price in the 2-year fixed service plan. It’s easy to pack up to the point of no return and realize that these technological advances don’t stop there.

Next year, you may want the latest great smartphone, but you’ll already be locked into the one you have with the service plan you have, which may not be compatible with your current program. Be careful when comparing prices, as sometimes the plans and all the options can get complicated, so think about this.