Wi-Fi deployed at four California yacht marinas

ICOA, Inc. has signed a three-year agreement with LGW, owner and operator of California Yacht Marina (CYM) to deploy Wi-Fi Internet access at CYM's marinas. CYM has over 1,800 boat slips at its four California marinas. Beginning with Port Royal Marina, ICOA will install and manage Wi-Fi services for four marinas owned and operated by LGW under a revenue sharing agreement.

"ICOA's expansion into the maritime Wi-Fi market, a subset of the estimated $4 billion maritime communications industry, demonstrates our focus on the high traffic profitable segments within the Wi-Fi industry, including airports, hotels and selected retail stores," said George Strouthopoulos, CEO of ICOA.

"CYM is delighted to be working with ICOA to further enhance the quality of guest amenities and services at our marinas," added LaRue Thomas, Founder of California Yacht Marina.

ICOA's QGO business unit will be responsible for operating CYM's locations. In June 2003, QGO deployed a Wi-Fi "Hot Zone" in Newport, Rhode Island, which is promoted as America's premier boating and yachting destination. On July 1, 2003, QGO initiated subscription authentication of Wi-Fi Internet access on the waterfront, at docks and in marinas.

Captain and crew

Among the most enthusiastic users of this Wi-Fi service are the captain and crew of the Tazamas, a 93-foot charter sailboat. Wi-Fi offers the boat crew freedom and flexibility to do business from the boat any time of day. "We are not restricted to 9-5 office hours," said Mark Lumley, first mate of the Tazamas. "We can keep in touch with the owner of the boat, the broker who books the charters and suppliers of hard-to-find parts. We can log on and there it is."

QGO's authentication portal allows any Marina, harbor side restaurant or Marina Hotel to offer Wi-Fi service in its own way. There are many ways to offer the service. Specifically, Wi-Fi service for boat owners is being offered under a tiered price structure to accommodate both transients and seasonal customers. Nearby restaurants and hotels can offer customized packages to meet guests' needs.

QGO said Vivato was selected as its vendor for Newport, Rhode Island,I because a single piece of infrastructure hardware -- the Vivato Outdoor Wi-Fi switch -- installed with a clear line of sight, easily reaches standard PC or PDA Wi-Fi clients across the whole harbor. "Because of the open water, RF propagation for Wi-Fi to all parts of the harbor is excellent," said Dennis DiBattista President of ICOA's QGO business unit. "And with Vivato's unique PacketSteering technology, the Wi-Fi Hot Zone covers over 10 square miles. This cost efficient system can be rapidly deployed at all of ICOA's Marina locations."

Neutral host

ICOA, located in Warwick, Rhode Island, is a "neutral host" provider of Public Broadband Internet Access. The company has installed private high-speed networks and Wi-Fi hotspots at about 170 locations in the United States.

ICOA operates in the most sought after public locations, such as airports, hotels, conference centers, marinas and specialty retail. The company provides fully managed broadband communication services including telephone, e-mail, and e-fax; business services including printing; and e-commerce services including shopping and bill paying; as well as 'venue specific' advertising.

ICOA currently has installations at the San Francisco International Airport, the Greater Baton Rouge (Louisiana) Airport, Rhode Island's Newport Harbor "Hot Zone", Quick Service Restaurants and several prestigious Hotels.

Cabrillo Marina is located in the Port of Los Angeles West Channel/Cabrillo Beach Recreational Complex. Accommodating both large and small recreational vessels, 885 permanent boat slips from 25 to 75 feet long. A great way to begin a fun filled nautical experience.

CYM Chula Vista is located in the heart of San Diego Bay's activity area. CYM Chula Vista is one of the newest marinas' in San Diego. Accomodating both large and small recreational vessels, 353 permanent slips and concrete docks.

CYM Chula Vista offers boaters a state-of-the-art facility second to none.Berth 202 is nestled in the East Basin of the Los Angeles/ Long Beach Harbors. Accommodating both large and small recreational vessels, 268 permanent single slips from 25 feet to 110 feet long.

CYM Port Royal is located in the heart of lavish King Harbor. Accommodating both large and small recreational vessels, approximately 338 permanent single slips from 25 feet to 40 feet long.