In today's hyper-connected world, staying offline is a choice rather than a necessity, even when you're miles away from the shore.
Thanks to the advent of eSIM technology and offshore Internet providers, you can now enjoy seamless connectivity while exploring the vast expanse of the ocean.
We will walk you through everything you need to know about Internet offshore and how eSIM plans can keep you connected at sea.
Before we dive into the specifics of offshore Internet, let's take a moment to understand what eSIM technology is all about. eSIM, short for “embedded SIM,” is a digital SIM card embedded directly into your device's mainframe.
Unlike traditional physical SIM cards, eSIMs offer a more convenient and flexible way to stay connected, especially when traveling internationally or accessing the Internet at sea.With an eSIM, you can store multiple plans on a single device, allowing you to switch between them without having to swap out physical SIM cards.
This means you can easily access Internet offshore services without any hassle, regardless of your location or the network provider you're using.
In addition to the benefits of using eSIMs for offshore access to the Internet, they can be used as you travel to and from your offshore location as well.
If you end up spending some time in Europe or the U.S. before making your way home, you can quickly and easily switch plans on the move.
Now that you know what eSIM technology is, you may wonder why it's so important to stay connected while offshore.
Here are a few key reasons:
Safety & Emergency Communication: When you're out at sea, staying connected is not just a matter of convenience, it's also a matter of safety. In case of an emergency, having access to reliable Internet can be a lifesaver, allowing you to communicate with the Coast Guard, request assistance, or stay updated on weather conditions and alerts.
Work & Business: For many professionals, staying connected is essential for maintaining productivity and keeping up with work-related tasks, even when they're offshore. With a reliable offshore Internet connection, you can attend virtual meetings, respond to emails, and access critical business applications from anywhere in the world.
Staying in Touch with Loved Ones: Being away from family and friends for extended periods can be challenging, but with the Internet at sea, you can stay connected with your loved ones no matter where you are. From video calls and instant messaging to social media and email, you can keep in touch with the people who matter most, even when you're miles away from home.
Challenges of Regular Cellular Service OffshoreVenturing offshore can significantly challenge the availability of regular cellular service for a number of reasons. Primarily, cellular networks rely on land-based cell towers to transmit signals. These towers have a limited range, which typically extends no more than 10 to 15 miles offshore. Beyond this point, the strength of the cellular signal weakens drastically until it becomes unavailable, rendering standard mobile services ineffective.
Furthermore, the very nature of the sea's vast open spaces means there are no structures on which to mount cell towers that could provide coverage. Even if additional towers were built closer to the shore, their signals would not reach far into the ocean due to the curvature of the Earth, among other technical limitations. This geographic and infrastructural limitation makes it impractical and unfeasible economically to extend traditional cellular coverage far beyond coastal areas.
This is where the advantages of eSIM technology and Internet offshore providers come into play. They offer specialized solutions that bypass the limitations of conventional cellular networks, ensuring that individuals and businesses can stay connected regardless of their distance from the shore.
Internet Offshore Options: GigSky and TampnetWhen it comes to accessing the Internet at sea, there are several options available, but two of the most reliable and convenient providers are GigSky and Tampnet.
GigSky eSIM PlansGigSky is a leading provider of global connectivity solutions, offering eSIM plans specifically designed for Internet access at sea. With GigSky, you can enjoy commitment-free data plans that allow you to connect to the Internet while working in the North Sea or the Gulf of Mexico.
GigSky has partnered with Tampnet, the #1 offshore network provider, to bring you reliable and convenient data plans tailored to your needs. Whether you need a short-term plan or a longer-term solution for an extended trip, GigSky has got you covered.
Tampnet is a leading provider of high-capacity, low-latency connectivity solutions for the offshore industry. With a network that spans the North Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, Tampnet is dedicated to providing reliable and fast Internet access to offshore installations, vessels, and remote locations.
As the #1 offshore network provider, Tampnet is constantly expanding and investing in new infrastructure to ensure that its customers have access to the latest technology and the most reliable connectivity solutions. Whether you're an oil and gas company, a maritime operator, or an individual user, Tampnet has the expertise and the infrastructure to keep you connected, no matter where you are.
With so many eSIM plans and Internet offshore options available, choosing the right one for your needs can be overwhelming. Here are a few key factors to consider when making your decision:
Coverage Area: Make sure that the eSIM plan you choose offers coverage in the areas in which you'll be traveling. GigSky offers extensive coverage in the North Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, but it's always a good idea to check the coverage map before making a purchase.
Data Allowance: Consider how much data you'll need while offshore, and choose a plan that offers enough data to meet your needs. Keep in mind that some activities, such as video streaming and large file downloads, can quickly eat up your data allowance. Consider using data-maximizing techniques to get the most out of your plan.
Flexibility: Look for an eSIM plan that offers flexibility in terms of commitment and duration. GigSky's plans are commitment-free; you only pay for what you need without any long-term contracts or hidden fees.
Network Reliability: When you're offshore, network reliability is crucial. Choose an eSIM plan that is backed by a reliable network provider, such as Tampnet, to ensure that you have access to fast and stable Internet connectivity, no matter where you are.
In today's connected world, staying offline is a choice, not a necessity. With the advent of eSIM technology and Internet offshore partners like GigSky and Tampnet, you can now enjoy reliable and convenient Internet at sea, even when you're miles away from the shore.GigSky's eSIM plans, powered by Tampnet's extensive network, offer the perfect solution for your Internet needsSo why wait?
Embrace the freedom of Internet offshore with GigSky and Tampnet, and stay connected on your own terms. Whether you choose to connect or disconnect, the choice is in your hands!
NOTE: eSIM on iPhone is not offered in China mainland. In Hong Kong and Macao, some iPhone models feature eSIM. An iPhone supports eSIM if you see the “Add eSIM” option in the Settings > Cellular screen.
NOTE: An iPhone is unlocked if it says “No SIM restrictions” in the “Carrier Lock” section of the Settings > General > About screen.
* iPad Pro (M4) Wi-Fi + Cellular and iPad Air (M2) Wi-Fi + Cellular models are activated with an eSIM and do not have a physical SIM card.
Your device is eSIM-capable if you can see "Add eSIM” in Settings > Connections > SIM manager
NOTE: Depending on the country of origin, eSIM may not be supported even if your device is listed above. Please check with the manufacturer if your device supports this feature in your location.
A Google Pixel is eSIM-capable if you see the “Download a SIM instead?” Option after tapping Settings > Network & internet > SIMs +.
NOTE: Pixel 3 from Australia, Japan, and Taiwan, or bought from US or Canadian carriers other than Sprint and Google Fi, do not work with eSIM.
NOTE: Pixel 3a from South East Asia, Japan, and Verizon US are not compatible with eSIM.
DOOGEE V30 Support ESIM
Fairphone 4
Honor Magic 4 Pro
Microsoft Surface Pro X
Motorola Razr 2019, Razr 5G
Planet Astro Slide
Planet Cosmo Communicator
Planet Gemini PDA - 4G+WiFi
Rakuten Mini, Big, Big-S, Hand, Hand 5G
Sharp Aquos Sense6s, Aquos Wish
Sony Xperia 1 IV, Xperia 10 III Lite, Xperia 10 IV
Xiaomi MI 12T Pro
An international eSIM is a digital version of a regular SIM. Installing one allows you to activate a mobile data plan without needing a physical SIM card. With a GigSky eSIM, worldwide travel is supported by our network of 400 partners across 200 countries and regions, 200+ cruise ships and 20+ airlines.
With a GigSky eSIM card, international roaming is supported in over 190 countries. But our commitment to effortless eSIM plans doesn’t end there. You can also stay connected in the air and at sea by purchasing cruise, inflight data plans and offshore data plans.
GigSky offers a free 100MB eSIM international data plan to all new customers. No credit is required. Whether you want to test our GigSky or get comfortable with the eSIM service to avoid data roaming, our free eSIM will provide you with cellular data in over 190 countries.
The list is long, but the two primary benefits are convenience and efficiency. Because there’s no need for a physical SIM, you don’t need to worry about switching, losing, or damaging your temporary eSIM or original SIM card. Plus, eSIM carrier activation is straightforward, and network switching is automated for effortless connectivity.
Yes. Because GigSky provides you with a data-only eSIM, your phone number doesn’t change. So, you can stay logged into your usual messaging app accounts with uninterrupted access to your contacts and conversations. However, your home network provider may apply additional charges if you make or receive calls or send texts in your destination country without using internet-based apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
GigSky offers a range of prepaid data plans ranging from 1GB to unlimited data. Ultimately, it’s simply a case of choosing the right plan based on your expected data usage while traveling abroad. If you need more data, you can purchase a top-up plan to extend your service at any time.
After turning on notifications during installation of your GigSky international data eSIM, you’ll receive alerts when you’re approaching a 0MB balance and when your plan duration is about to expire. Please note that top-ups are valid from the purchase day rather than adding days to your original digital SIM plan. For example, if your plan expires on the 15th of the month, and you buy a 7-day top-up on the 12th, your new expiration date will be the 19th (12 plus 7).
Yes! At GigSky, we’re dedicated to providing high-quality, reliable network coverage so you don't have to rely on Wi-Fi hotspots.
Yes. By offering local network coverage at affordable prices, the cost of a GigSky plan usually equates to a fraction of your typical data roaming fee.
Most modern smartphones are eSIM compatible, provided your phone is unlocked for international use. However, some older devices may not support international or worldwide eSIM technology. Click here to check compatibility.
You bet. GigSky international eSIM cards are versatile across various devices, including iPhones, certain Android smartphones, tablets, and even smartwatches. You can view a complete list of compatible devices here.
Double-check your mobile device is running the latest version of the operating system and that your eSIM is turned on and selected for cellular data. If you’re sure your settings are correct and still experiencing problems, contact the GigSky Support team at help@gigsky.com.