Breaking news...this just in. Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

I'm excited because I don't often get the jump on the competition over at Panbo. :-)

Anyhoo, I just got an email from Stephanie M. Nevarez, Marketing & Customer Relations Manager over at Shine Micro:

"YES, the RadarPlus AIS-BX is FCC approved and in stock.  Also, one of the benefits differentiating Shine Micro from other options is that we are an approved MMSI Issuer - if a customer does not already have an MMSI, we can issue one free with their purchase.

This is of particular benefit because the FCC requires that all units be programmed by the Vendor. So, if you purchase a Class B transponder and do not have you MMSI number immediately on-hand, then the vendor cannot program your transponder and you cannot install it yet.

Shine Micro can handle the MMSI registration, Class B transponder purchase, and static data programming in one stop; rather than having to visit BoatUS, SeaTow, or the FCC (the only other MMSI Issuers) to obtain your MMSI first. If you already have an MMSI number, you simply register it with us.  Our online MMSI and Static Data forms can be found here: http://shinemicro.com/AboutMMSI.asp

They are also provided at the conclusion of an AIS-BX purchase from our online web store, or we can provide pdfs via email.

I hope to have a formal press release out today."

Remember, you heard it here first!