Even ferry commuters get Wi-Fi
- TAGS:ferry, government, marine, transportation, Wi-Fi
- IT TOPICS:Mobile, Networking
Who knew? Turns out commuters who use ferry services in Washington state can get Wi-Fi service. Just last month, Wi-Fi service started on the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth ferry route, run by the Washington State Ferries (WSF) authority.
In fact, the WSF now has "the largest marine transportation public Wi-Fi service network in the world," according contractor Parsons Corp.
Other WSF Wi-Fi routes include Edmonds/Kingston, Mukilteo/Clinton, the newly improved Seattle/Bainbridge route, plus the new Seattle/Bremerton route.
Apparently, ferry Wi-Fi isn't easy to implement. According to Parsons:
“We’re providing a strong and persistent Wi-Fi signal to the terminals and auto holding areas as well as to the ferries servicing the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth run,” said Bob Davis, a Parsons vice president. “Providing effective coverage required a significant commitment in technical know-how, engineering man-hours and equipment, and ultimately required setting up five shoreline transmitters in addition to those at the three terminals.”
Parsons also operates Wi-Fi installations in 30 airports, and manages the world’s largest railroad Wi-Fi system for VIA Rail Canada.
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