BC Ferries has launched a pilot program to test Starlink satellite internet on its vessels, aiming to address longstanding connectivity issues in remote coastal areas. However, this trial is currently limited to crew members and operational needs, leaving passengers still without onboard internet access.
BC Ferries first introduced Wi-Fi on its major routes 2010. Initially, the service was met with enthusiasm, offering passengers connectivity during their journeys. However, as more passengers began using the service, the system quickly showed its limitations, leading to the service being pulled from all vessels in July 2021 due to frequent customer complaints of slow speed and frequent outages.
With the rise of Starlink Maritime, Drive Tesla reached out to BC Ferries in April 2023 about the possibility of integrating Starlink technology on its vessels, but the Crown Corporation seemed unaware of the benefits, saying it wouldn’t work in the northern latitudes that its vessels travel, despite cruise ships with several thousands of passengers travelling further north than any BC Ferries route.
“Airlines connect via satellite or ground-based cellular and some charge customers for this service. This will not support the 900 users we see on our largest vessels. Cruise ships also use satellite which is easily accessible closer to the equator. The satellites available at our high northern latitudes are limited and would still not provide an adequate service for the number of users,” BC Ferries said in a statement to Drive Tesla.
Over a year later and BC Ferries has had a change of heart, with spokesperson Sheila Reynolds confirming on Friday they are testing Starlink on a select number of vessels. Currently the service is limited to enhancing crew operations only. Depending on how the testing goes, it may be expanded to passengers.
“It’s still too soon to determine its long-term viability for further expansion,” Reynolds said.
Speaking at a recent Greater Vancouver Board of Trade event on Thursday, BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez emphasized the complexity of scaling the service from crews to passengers.
“Providing Wi-Fi for a crew of 30 or 40 is vastly different from delivering stable internet to over 1,400 passengers per vessel,” Jimenez said. (via Chek News)
For now, passengers should not expect an immediate return of onboard Wi-Fi. Jimenez noted that the company aims to “mature the relationship with Starlink” and explore solutions that balance affordability with technological capabilities.
