Patent ID: 7965980

Claim:
A cellular communication system for extending cellular communication between shore locations operating within a frequency range and offshore locations operating within the same frequency range includes: A matrix array of buoys located in a body of water extending a predetermined distance (L) along the shore and a predetermined distance (D) away from the shore and each buoy located with respect to another buoy to permit defined and secured line of sight cellular transmission between and among the buoys over an area of the body of water equal to, at least, L times D; each buoy including: (a) a wave energy converter (WEC) for converting the energy in waves present in the body of water into electrical energy and for supplying that energy to a transceiver mounted on the buoy; and (b) the transceiver for transmitting and receiving cellular signals at frequencies compatible with the frequencies of the shore locations; and wherein the array of buoys includes a first group of buoys deployed at regular distances along the shore and a second group of buoys deployed at regular intervals along the first group away from the shore, wherein each buoy includes a transceiver providing cellular transmission and reception within a geographic area defined herein as a cell area and the buoy and its transceiver is generally centrally located within its cell area; and wherein the cell areas of the buoys of the array are contiguous to permit multiple transmission paths and line of sight cellular communication over the area L times D of the body of water between cell phone users located offshore and onshore, with the cellular transmission and reception being at cellular frequencies compatible with the frequencies of the shore locations.