BlueSky Networks has introduced the Skylink 6100 as a much different option for those interested in taking advantage of Iridium’s new Certus 100 network. The distinctions are apparent right away with its small physical size relative to the other mid-band options. The device itself is just 8 inches x 5 inches and only a little over 1 inch thick (203 mm x 127 mm x 32 mm). It weighs barely over 1.5 pounds (730 g). The small footprint coupled with the secure wifi-connectivity for data and voice (you will use your preferred VOIP app for voice calls) means you can position the unit almost anywhere that’s convenient on your vessel.

Skylink is also a trend-setter by offering cellular as well as satellite connectivity and a least-cost routing approach for switching between the two. Furthermore, because of its GNSS positioning compatibility Skylink increases location accuracy and reliability by using not only GPS but a number of other navigational satellites.

The immediate response of many to a first view of the LT-4100 is that it was built with an eye for the professional maritime market. The look and feel is that of the VHF radio systems that have long been routinely a part of the vessel bridge. The difference the LT-4100 brings is global data access with the push of a button and reliable voice service from pole-to-pole.

Whether it be for the professional workboat, fishing boat or deep sea operator or the leisure cruiser seeking rugged dependability, the LT-4100 emphasizes functionality over glamour. Its active antenna permits long antenna cable runs so big boat installs don’t present a hassle and its 2 voice channels provide ready answers to questions revolving around crew or guest access to a phone line.

The FleetOne showed us what was possible in the mid-band world when it was launched in 2014. Inmarsat had produced a product that appeared to have found the sweet spot between price and performance. It then accentuated that positive by introducing one of the first unlimited data packages for the smaller boat market.

Unfortunately, a lot has changed since 2014. The capital cost of the FleetOne has continued to climb. Its antenna footprint is now substantially larger than anything available in this niche. Its Unlimited data plan is limited to coastal regions and when it hits a volume threshold even there it slows your data speed down for the rest of the month by a lot. For the first time, there are meaningful challengers to its lordship over the mid-band world. Nevertheless, the FleetOne is a proven commodity made by a reliable manufacturer with decades of experience in the marine market. We recommend the FleetOne for small boat fleets who can operate the system with OCENS software, services and Sidekicks to control data consumption and thereby fully benefit from the unique FleetOne Unlimited data plan.

What does the 176 kbps footprint of the Certus 200 mean to the mariner? That 3-day GRIB file you need will take about one second to retrieve. The photo you just took with your 12 MP iPhone and saved as a 600 kilobyte picture will transfer back home in about 30 seconds (compared to 40 minutes with your Iridium GO). And the 35 slide, 3 MB Powerpoint the office just called and wants to send to you can be downloaded while you are offshore in less than 3 minutes (as opposed to about forever with an Iridium or Inmarsat handheld).

So it means speed. Speed in a package with a much smaller antenna footprint and lower capital cost than has ever been before possible. Speed no matter whether you are sending or receiving files or whether you are sitting south of Grenada or north of Greenland. As such, the Certus 200 is our recommendation for mariners who don’t want to just stay connected but stay connected at noteworthy speeds without breaking the upfront or ongoing bank to do so.