Starlink has transformed offshore connectivity, putting forecasts, safety systems and contact with shore within reach on passages far from land. But with phones, tablets and laptops all sharing the same connection, background updates, cloud backups and streaming can use up a data allowance, leaving less for the things that matter most at sea.
“A phone backing up photos or a laptop running updates can burn through an allowance before you’ve even checked the latest weather forecast or route,” said Jon Bilger, PredictWind Founder. “We’ve built the controls into DataHub, so you decide what gets online and your forecasts and safety apps stay connected.”
Two new ways to manage data on board:
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PredictWind Mode: Blocks background and non-essential apps from using data, while keeping forecasts and other critical safety apps online.
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Total Data Usage: Shows data use across the whole boat and for each device, so owners can see who is using the most before the bill arrives
Keeping safety tools connected
Both modes run on DataHub, PredictWind’s onboard connectivity hub, which links a boat’s network and internet connection to PredictWind’s forecasting and safety tools. DataHub Pro, launched in August, adds Wi-Fi 6, LTE connectivity and automatic failover between connections, and runs apps including Over the Horizon AIS, Anchor Alert and Man Overboard. Several of these rely on a live connection to reach shore.
“When you’re offshore, your data is part of your safety margin,” adds Bilger. “You want it going to your forecasts and safety tools, not some app you forgot was running in the background.”
The data control modes are available now for DataHub or DataHub Pro owners using Starlink. For more information, visit: www.predictwind.com/datahub/
