Seamless internet connectivity on board

Several companies are offering solutions that allow users to seamlessly roam between different types of (data and voice) networks, based on availability, but also preferences like bandwith and cost. Typically these solutions are hardware oriented (PC cards), but for offshore (30m+) use other types of connectivity (i.e. satellite) should also be included via a software solution. However, when sailing close to shore and with more and more marina’s offering Wi-Fi access, these PC-cards can be a very interesting solution.
“‘Seamless’ to us means that the user isn’t necessarily aware which wireless technology he or she is connecting by, and as he or she passes from one coverage zone to another – hotspot to GPRS, say – the system performs a smooth handover.”