Internet at sea: 5G, satellite, starlink, which solution to choose?

When we sail at sea, staying connected to the Internet has become a necessity for many people, whether for boaters, sailors or companies operating on the high seas.

However, sea connectivity has unique challenges, with areas where 4G and 5G coverage along the ribs can be limited, even non -existent.

This is why it is essential to explore different solutions to connect to the Internet in the open sea.

In this article, we will examine the advantages, costs and performance of the different solutions to determine what is the best option to guarantee reliable and fast connectivity at sea.

Close to the coasts: count on the traditional network

The 4G and 5G coverage along the French coast has increased considerably in recent years. Telecom operators have deployed infrastructure to ensure reliable and rapid connectivity to land users.

As a reminder, Lhas 4G offers a theoretical maximum flow of 112.5 Mbps. There 4G+, which is an evolution of the 4G network, offers a theoretical maximum speed of 187.5 Mbps, but it can reach up to 300 Mbps even or even 500 Mbps. Regarding 5g, which is the latest generation of the mobile internet network, it offers a maximum theoretical speed exceeding 1 Gbps.

However, the scope of 4G and 5G signals has its limits. In general, the coverage can extend up to 10 to 15 kilometers from the coast, depending on various factors such as topography and natural obstacles.

Beyond this distance, the reception of signals can become low or even non-existent, making the connection to the Internet via these networks difficult, if not impossible.

Outdoor solutions

To fill this void of connectivity, different solutions can be considered. 

Direction antennas

A commonly used option is the use of directional antennas to capture signals from land relays located on the coast.

These antennas, mounted on the boat, can improve reception, but they generally need to be pointed at the source of the signal, which can be binding in the open sea.

The price of these antennas is extremely variable, ranging from approximately A hundred euros at 2000 € For the most efficient models. 

Traditional satellites

Another alternative is to use satellite networks dedicated to communication at sea. These networks, such as Iridium or Inmarsat, offer global coverage and allow reliable connectivity in areas far from the coasts. However, these solutions can be expensive and limited connection speeds.

Iridium Go 

The Iridium Go hotspot is available for individual purchase for € 924 including tax. It is also offered in a "navy" pack which includes an external antenna and other accessories for a price of € 1380 including tax.

There is an annual prepaid subscription option which offers 3000 SMS or 1000 minutes of votes or 30,000 units for € 870 excl. Another option is the "unlimited data" subscription at the price of 179 € HT per month.

However, L'Iridium Go only offers a transmission speed of 2.4 kbps (kilobits per second)! In terms of bandwidth and debit, this translates into 18 ko (kilooctets) per minute or 1 MB (megaocte) per hour.

Difficult to speak of a solution that can be used for the modern Internet, this use being only relevant to emails. But in the event of a problem, you will be able to communicate with the outside world!

Inmarsat

Inmarsat is also a more willing solution for telephony, because in its standard plan (Inmarsat Fleet Broadband), the monthly subscription is invoiced € 480.00 excl., for only 25 MB of data, and invoicing by slice of 0.02 MB beyond.

In terms of equipment, the Sailor Fleet One is marketed at the price of € 4.990 excl. and allows data connectivity to 100 kbps and vocal calls (on a single number).

An offer therefore expensive, but the advantage of Inmarsat is that it is available in the vast majority of the planet, thanks to the intervention of 3 satellite networks. 

And Starlink in all of this? 

Another more recent and very promising solution to satellite internet connection is that offered by Starlink, a division of Spacex, the company ofElon Musk.

Starlink uses a network of thousands of satellites in low orbit to provide high speed connectivity to the Internet, even in remote areas and in the open sea.

Starlink operation: how does it work?

Starlink connection speed: what flows? Comparative.

The first tests and feedback are encouraging, with download speeds up to several hundred megabits per second, and the official Starlink website reports to the Internet up to 220 Mbit/s. 

Starlink geographic availability: where to navigate?

Starlink is available in countries where he has obtained government approval to provide his services.

At a time when we write these lines, here are the areas where you can access the Starlink network from your boat: 

Starlink price for boats: how much does it cost?

Source: Starlink (Prize observed on 01/21/2025)

There are currently three options available for Starlink subscriptions at sea, depending on your data consumption: 

• 50 GB (239 €/month) - Enough for special use. 
• 1 TB (€ 940/month) - adapted to companies working offshore.
• 5 TB (€ 4713/month) - Recommended for researchers, media and companies requiring constant internet access. 

Note that you can suspend and reactivate Starlink at any time, with invoicing that is done in a month -round tranches, and that the company offers 30 days of free trial for its offer.

To these subscriptions, the cost of the equipment must be added, which is 2389 € during the initial purchase for the maritime solution. (See prices on the Starlink website).

This equipment is obviously designed especially for extreme conditions of the open sea, and can support gusts of wind exceeding 280 km/h.

In addition, the Starlink application available on iOS and Android allows you to determine the best installation location on your boat.

Conclusion 

Internet access at sea has unique challenges, as 4G and 5G coverage near the coasts can be limited.

Different options are available, each with its advantages and disadvantages.

Direction antennas improve reception, but need to be pointed out towards the source of the signal.

Traditional satellite networks offer global coverage but with high costs and with limited connection speeds, corresponding more to satellite phones than real Internet terminals. 

Starlink, with its constellation satellites in low orbit, promises high speed connectivity even in the open sea, even if its current deployment does not yet cover the entire planet. 

The choice will therefore depend on your needs (emergencies? Leisure?), Your budget, and geographic availability (navigation near the coast or not, covered by Starlink or not). 

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