BC Ferries to add Wi-Fi to 14 more minor route terminals

BC Ferries to add Wi-Fi to 14 more minor route terminals
Nick Pescod/CHEK News
The new Wi-Fi will be completed by Oct. 31

Surfing the web while waiting for sailings will be possible at more than a dozen additional BC Ferries’ terminals.

BC Ferries will be adding Wi-Fi to 14 different terminals through $1.5 million in funding from the Connecting British Columbia Program. The grant will help pay for Wi-Fi coverage at minor route terminals including public lounges, vehicle line-up areas and parking lots.

Internet will be made available at terminals on east Denman Island, Buckley Bay, Heriot Bay, Whaletown, Descanso Bay, Alert Bay, Vesuvius Bay, Sturdies Bay, Bella Bella, Port Hardy, Long Harbour, Otter Bay, Lyall Harbour and Nanaimo Harbour.

BC Ferries’ minister of citizens’ services said in a statement Friday that the company wants to make connecting with family and loved ones while travelling easier for passengers.

“We’ve been hearing from people about how convenient it is to have free and reliable Wi-Fi access at BC Ferries terminals, particularly on minor routes where cellular service is less likely to be available,” said Lisa Beare, minister of citizens’ services in the press release. “The Connecting British Columbia program and BC Ferries have come up with a plan to bring Wi-Fi access to terminals like Vesuvius Bay, Bella Bella and Lyall Harbour.”

Northern Development Initiative Trust — the fund administrator for Connecting British Columbia — CEO Joel McKay said in the release the Wi-Fi will benefit those who use ferry travel every day, as well as tourists as they travel to new desitnations.

“For many in British Columbia, ferry travel is part of their daily lives,” said McKay. “Having free, reliable Wi-Fi service along minor service routes is an asset not only to regular travellers for keeping in touch but also for tourists who might be new to the area.”

The Wi-Fi at the terminals is expected to be completed by Oct. 31. It will bring the amount of Wi-Fi at terminals to 21 out of 47 in the province.

READ MORE: Foot passengers can now book BC Ferries tickets online in advance of sailing

Justin WaddellJustin Waddell

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