2010 - 2012 Fleet Broadband Operating Support Program Proposal

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole MA

Investigators

Abstract

This proposal requests funds for a three year commitment (2010 through 2012) to support up to 18 UNOLS ships and 2 Polar Program Vessels with Inmarsat satellite internet services via Fleet Broadband systems. This represents services for up to 20 vessels. This proposal is a follow on to a successful pilot program funded by NSF in 2008-09. This service will serve as a backup to the HiSeasNet and as the primary communications system for vessels without HiSeasNet. WHOI proposes that this Fleet Broadband (FBB) program include commercial support from the FBB service provider for system maintenance and technical support for each of the 20 users in the system. Also included are support costs for management of the program. Broader Impacts: The acquisition, maintenance and operation of shared-use instrumentation allows NSF-funded researchers from any US university or lab access to working, calibrated instruments for their research, reducing the cost of that research, and expanding the base of potential researchers.