Wifi Over the Ocean, Wifi Over the Sea

(written from the ferry en route from Vancouver to Victoria)

All right, I don't need wifi over the whole ocean. But I can't tell you how happy it would make me if BC Ferries started offering wifi on the major routes.

It would make my travel experience a whole lot more productive, that's for sure. I've traveled between Vancouver and Victoria enough times now that I no longer stare captivated at the scenery, and especially during the cooler months, there's really not that much to do on board. I sometimes use this time to catch up on email offline - which is great, actually - but would love to be able to get online too.

I know, I know. I too wonder what the world is coming to, when a person (ie, me) complains about a 90 minute ferry ride without access to the internet. But I see so many people on their computers on some sailings, it just seems silly not to make it available. It would also make taking the ferry a more appealing option for some business people who usually fly, I think.

I also think - in case anyone at BCFerries is reading - that it should be free. Perhaps some of the tourist attraction and accommodation providers would be willing to sponsor it, in exchange for having their ads shown upon logging in? Or perhaps a few forward-thinking technology providers would sponsor it in exchange for exposure. I would sing BC Ferries praises to the heavens if they broke the mould and offered it free - unlike the Vancouver International Airport, and every Starbucks in the city.

It must be possible. (Though as one fellow ferry rider said to me, "If they can't even get their act together to have interact at the ticket booths, I wouldn't hold your breath.")