as a big party line. The morning nets are hugely important to many and that's how you contact every other boat in social situations as well as emergencies. I can't see it going away in cruising situations no matter what happens in the "at home market". The SSB nets are very important as well. In emergencies like hurricanes and the like, SSB's are so important just because of their numbers. I'd say 70% of cruising boats actually cruising have them. That's just a guess but it can't be far off. Their are many locations that will never have cell reception for years and years just because the population won't support it. Maybe down the line they might install towers just for continuity of service but not for years.