Internet Access Speed Priority 1 choosing next cruise

[greatam]

I'm no techy, but from what I understand, the high speed internet being installed on RCI ships works better the closer they get to the equator. Same may be true for the Caribbean islands, which could explain their good connections.

 

It works better because about 75% of the satellites in use for communication and internet today are geostationary (GEO) satellites based at the equator.

 

Iridium and Globalstar (both big providers to international companies and military) use LEO (low earth orbit) and MEO (medium earth orbit) satellites. Those satellites are NOT stationary as most the the rest of the satellites are.

 

The latency rate (how fast a message goes up and down from the satellite) with a GEO satellite is about 1/4 second in absolutely perfect conditions. Iridium and Globalstar satellites latency rate is about 1/6 that of the GEO satellites-hence, considerably faster and the gold standard currently for latency with satellite transmissions. In addition, Iridium and Globalstar satellites are MUCH closer to the earth by about 40 times. GEO satellites are about 22,000 miles above earth. Iridium's satellite is less then 500 miles.

 

The new O3B satellite is about 5000 miles above earth and the latency rate is 1/2 of most GEO satellites (so twice as fast as what you get now on a cruise ship).

 

There is another satellite network set to launch in 2015-COMMstellation (Canadian company). The satellites (multiple mini satellites) will be about 600 miles above earth. IF this gets implemented, this will become the new gold standard. The latency rate is supposedly 1/6 again of Iridium's and Globalstar's satellites. 7ms vs 40ms on Iridium. 250ms for most satellite transmissions. The military is VERY interested in this sat system and has well supported the consortium of companies trying to make this work.

 

Just simply amazing all the trivial facts you learn when you spend a lot of time on military installations and are actually interested in what is new and what is going on in the world.

[Aquahound]

Just simply amazing all the trivial facts you learn when you spend a lot of time on military installations and are actually interested in what is new and what is going on in the world.

 

Agreed. Thank you for your insight! :)

[Gunner22aa]

If your number one priority to have on your vacation is to have true high speed internet access I would suggest that you look at something other than a cruise for your next getaway. You won't find speeds much above the old dial up on any ship. You will in port at those places that offer wifi but not on the ship.