In 1898, at the end of Marconi's numerous investigations and demonstrations, and the experiments of Jackson, two immediate problems remained to be solved before the new communication system could become commercially worthwhile. First, the range of working had to be greatly increased; and, second, means had to be implemented that would permit signals to be sent to a particular recipient rather than to anyone who possessed the basic apparatus. The solution of the range problem was central to the viability of the new communication method for maritime use, and to the financial success of the Wireless Signal & Telegraph Company. Longer transmission distances were being slowly, but steadily, achieved and Marconi was optimistic that with further effort the problem would be solved. Then, given the demonstrated advantages of wireless telegraphy for message transmission from shore-to-lighthouse and from shore-to-lightship, for ship-to-ship signalling, for safety at sea, for fleet manoeuvres, for identifying friend from foe during naval exercises and naval engagements, for alerting shipping companies of the positions of their ships and unknown hazards, and for general commercial and public intelligence communications, the prospects of good sales, or hire, of equipment could be anticipated. These prospects seemed to be imminent: there was a need to establish a manufacturing base.

Inspec keywords: telegraphy; naval engineering; radiocommunication

Other keywords: transmission distances; naval exercises; fleet manoeuvres; shore-to-lightship; ship-to-ship signalling; sea safety; message transmission; Wireless Signal and Telegraph Company; maritime wireless telegraphy; shore-to-lighthouse; naval engagements; communication system

Subjects: Telegraphy