Any-Port FAQ (Frequently asked questions)

Questions :

• Why Any-Port?
• Why is the Any-Port service any different from WiFi?
• What equipment do I need to access your service?
• Why do I get a strong signal in some areas, but not in others?
• How fast will I be able to connect / surf the internet?
• What is the range of your service?
• How many people can connect at once?
• Can I share the connection with others on the boat?
• Where is the service available / When will it be available in my port?
• How much does it cost?
• Is the service restricted in any way?

Answers :

Why Any-Port?

Historically, it has been very difficult for yachts to get reliable internet services in port, either via fixed line or wireless access. In addition, those services that do exist are expensive, specific to one port and, thanks to the limitations of WiFi technology, can be unreliable. Any-port resolves these problems by providing a high-quality, high-speed and highly reliable wireless connection in multiple ports, all accessible for one monthly payment. We also guarantee fast download (and upload) speeds, and do not charge extra for big downloads or extra time online. Instead, you get an “always on” broadband connection for everyone on board, both in port and at anchor in the immediate area of the port. How much you use it is up to you. You can try the Any-Port internet service for free – just contact us and we will arrange the necessary equipment to be delivered and installed by our expert technicians for a 2 week trial period.

Why is the Any-Port service any different from WiFi?

Any-Port uses completely different technology to avoid the problems experienced by WiFi users in many ports. This means that we are unaffected by current WiFi channel congestion and can offer our service even in the most WiFi inhospitable environments (See the Yacht report, October 2006 for a great example). In addition, Any-Port is gradually rolling out its service into all the major ports in the Western (to be followed by the Eastern) Med. This means that you do not end up paying multiple subscriptions, just one monthly payment for every port. (Even less if you pay annually)

What equipment do I need to access your service?

There are two aspects to this. First, you need an internet capable PC (or MAC), or, if you are planning network-wide access, a free ethernet port on your network server. Secondly, you will need the Any-Port transmitting/receiving radio and antenna to be installed on your boat. It is this special equipment that makes the superior service offered by Any-Port possible.

Why do I get a strong signal in some areas, but not in others?

There are several reasons for this, but all relate to the fact that, like other wireless services, the Any-Port service is operated over a radio signal. Numerous things can interfere with such signals, including trees, masts, wind and atmospheric conditions, as well as the boat hull (radio waves do not readily pass through steel, aluminium or other metals!). Signals can also be affected by walls, vehicles and other radio signals in the area (this is one of the main reasons many WiFI systems don’t work well in ports).

How fast will I be able to connect / surf the internet?

Unlike other wireless providers, Any-Port GUARANTEES each user a fixed amount of bandwidth. For most boats, this will be 2 Mbps downline and 512 Kbps upline. We have found that this is far more than is required in most situations. If you feel you need higher data rates, please contact us for a quote. In practice, web pages often load faster through the Any-Port system than they do with “equivalent” hard-wired solutions. Any-Port.Com is committed to our users and to providing a superior service. If we notice that bandwidth is significantly affecting the quality of our service, we will endeavour to increase the bandwidth available via additional transmitters and multiple internet connections where possible.

What is the range of your service?

Our transmitters can reach approximately 3-5 Km in range, however many factors can reduce the practical ability of this maximum range. The usable range of our service is approximately 1.5-2.5Km under most conditions, enabling true broadband service, even when you are at anchor outside an equipped port.

How many people can connect at once?

This depends on how many transmitters are in operation and can be increased if necessary. At least 64 users can operate concurrently and we can enhance the capability in any one area should user requirements exceed this number.

Can I share the connection with others on the boat?

This will depend on the level of service that you have purchased. In general, most boats are expected to buy the service for the entire boat and/or crew. In all cases, what is specifically prohibited is the sharing of the service with OTHER boats or non-crew-members/guests.

Where is the service available / When will it be available in my port?

For a list of ports which are currently covered by the service, please look here. If your port is not covered, just fill in the form and we will bear this in mind when we prioritise our future installations.

How much does it cost?

Because every boat is different, we provide individual quotes for all of our clients. However, we believe our pricing is very competitive to existing WiFi offerings (even though they don’t really work very well) and far more affordable than satellite systems.

Is the service restricted in any way?

All clients' equipment is restricted to the agreed bandwidth in their contract. In addition, Any-Port reserves the right to restrict access to potentially illegal services such as file-sharing services and other questionable activities for which we, as a provider, could be held responsible.