WATERCOM
This page consolidates the WATERCOM information previously shown on several other pages.
Shortwave propagation is less than 100% reliable and subject to thunderstorm static degradation. With the availability of VHF-FM marine communications equipment about 1960 several of the stations developed networks of remotely controlled VHF-FM stations. WJG had an extensive network and WGK a somewhat lesser one mainly serving only the Mississippi. Both used the conventional VHF-FM duplex marine channels. WFN went off the air when it's parent company activated the fully-automated WATERCOM network using frequencies in the 216 to 220 MHz band and serving the Mississippi, Ohio and the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway. The quality of the communications over these new networks was vastly superior to shortwave SSB and its use diminished greatly once the VHF-FM networks were in place.
"The concept of WATERCOM started in the 1970s when 16 major barging companies joined together to improve inland river telecommunications, a need supported by indepth research of their industry. In 1981, American Commercial Lines, Inc. acquired WATERCOM from the barging group. That same year the Federal Communications Commission allocated frequencies for automated marine communications systems. WATERCOM applied for license authority, which the FCC granted in 1982. The elements of the system development included marketing research, system design to meet communication needs, and acquisition of properties and construction along the inland waterways." (from the MARITIME REPORTER article below)
The 216-220 MHz FM Waterway Communications Systems AMTS (WATERCOM) began operation in 1985 on the Ohio River with service along the Mississippi and Gulf Coast commencing in 1986.
This MARITIME REPORTER article details WATERCOM's beginnings.
The WATERCOM brochure explains the benefits of the system.
This WATERCOM article gives some details about the system's operation
This 1991 AMTS article.details the attempt to expand AMTS to areas beyond the rivers.
By about 2001 towboats were making full use of cell phones and Satellite Communications, and WATERCOM was no longer needed.