The best antenna for a boat depends on many factors. The boat type and the type of radio/communication device being used is vital. Marine antennas are designed to be durable and able to withstand the marine environment.

The best marine antennas include VHF antennas, used for communication with other vessels and shore stations. The other type is GPS antennas, which are used for navigation. Additional types of antennas that are useful for boaters include AM/FM radio antennas, cellular antennas, and satellite antennas.

When choosing an antenna for your boat, consider factors such as the antenna’s frequency range, gain, polarization, and impedance, as well as its physical size and mounting requirements. But now there may be something new.

It‘s important to ensure that the antenna is compatible with your radio or communication device and that it meets any relevant regulatory requirements.

One of the (many) clever things about smartphones is their ability to seamlessly jump communication protocols, without any user involvement. A call is initiated using Wi-Fi calling, and the phone will automatically switch to cellular if its operator leaves Wi-Fi coverage.

Now a company has introduced a similarly seamless hybrid-data antenna connectivity.

The company’s antennas and their supporting network deliver cellular (5G/LTE), satellite, and when possible, Wi-Fi connectivity. The product utilizes artificial intelligence to automatically route calls and data between the various networks.

KVH tackles all satellite communications on its proprietary network, the company partners with a global carrier to supply customers with SIM cards and cellular airtime, all in one consolidated bill. The network’s satellite’s coverage is near-global.

The net result is a reliable hybrid communications system that works to deliver fast and affordable service.