State-run Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) has installed SpaceX’s Starlink on a ferry as part of its planned fleet-wide $6.25 million Wi-Fi roll-out.
According to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, the AMHS has installed Starlink on its largest ferry, the Columbia. This comes after more than 10 years of deliberations on providing wireless internet connection aboard the state-owned vessels.
The roll-out has been a success, with more than 450 passengers using the Wi-Fi in the first week. The goal is to allow passengers to remain online and connected to friends and family while on water. It will also allow students to do their homework while on school-related travels.
Meanwhile, the AMHS had previously installed Starlink for its crew and operations but is now extending access to passengers. Federal grants will cover most of the cost, with Alaska only paying $1.25 million.
Two more ferries will receive the installations necessary for their roll-out in the next six months. The rest of AMHS’s nine-ferry fleet will be outfitted within two years.
Starlink has become popular with ocean-going vessels and airline operators thanks to its anywhere availability. BC Ferries is testing the satellite internet service, while Qatar Airways has completed installation on a Boeing 777.
