Coastal Radio Station Voice Communications News

MariTEL Discontinues Voice Network

After over 30 years of service to mariners across the United States, MariTEL is discontinuing Marine radio voice communications service, effective June 6, 2003, citing rising operating costs and declining service revenues. “MariTEL appreciates the opportunity to serve the marine industry over the years. I sincerely hope that MariTEL service has been useful and regret that this action is necessary,” said Dan Smith, President and CEO of MariTEL. “Over the past decade, the coastal radio station voice communications market has been eroded by the proliferation of public mobile services (cellular and PCS), satellite communications, and other commercial mobile radio services.