Wilson Electronics, maker of cellular signal boosters, has released a new marine initiative with the development of a signal booster kit that improves cellular coverage for boaters on inland waterways and for near-shore mariners.
The Marine Signal Booster Kit (SKU# 841246) pairs Wilson’s established AG SOHO 60 signal booster with the its marine antenna, and includes all cables and components needed to complete and install the system.
“Many boaters who try to use a cellular device while on the water experience dropped connections and no-service zones just as cellular customers occasionally do on dry land,” said Laine Matthews, business development director for Wilson Electronics. “Installing a Wilson mobile signal booster provides boaters the same signal boosting benefits that drivers of cars, trucks and RVs have enjoyed for years.”
According to Wilson, when Hurricane Irene battered the Caribbean and U.S. East Coast in 2011, one vessel equipped with a Wilson cellular signal booster sought refuge off Compass Cay in the Bahamas. The crew aboard that ship were the only mariners in the area able to maintain cell phone contact as the eye of the hurricane passed just 12 miles east of their position.
The cell signal they picked up originated from another island, and was too weak to allow voice calls. But using the Wilson signal booster the crew was able to send and receive text messages as the hurricane raged. Crew members were able to get weather updates from Florida by text, which they then relayed, via two-way radio, to other ships in the area.
