Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, and Hullo by the Vancouver Island Ferry Company, announced they have partnered to offer fast passenger connectivity aboard Hullo’s two new high-speed ferries, Spuhéls and Sthuqi’, which have recently entered service connecting passengers between Downtown Vancouver and Downtown Nanaimo.
Offering full streaming Wi-Fi on a passenger ferry is uncommon and further differentiates Hullo’s premium onboard experience from other ferry services. From streaming sports, TV shows, and movies to catching up on work or web browsing with full internet, the service will enable passengers to stay connected during the 70-minute journey between Vancouver and Nanaimo, much of which is out of range of a cellular connection.
To commemorate the beginning of Hullo’s passenger service, and for a limited time, all travelers aboard Hullo’s new ferries will receive complimentary, premium Wi-Fi while sailing. “We take considerable pride in the guest experience we are creating aboard the new Hullo service,” said Alastair Caddick, CEO of Hullo.
“And that undoubtedly includes providing an ‘at-home-like’ Wi-Fi connection with our partners at Viasat. We know how important connectivity is to our guests so they can work, browse, and socialize reliably like they can nearly anywhere else.” said Alastair Caddick, CEO of Hullo.
The ferries are set up to connect to Viasat’s Ka-band satellite network, which has been designed to provide a highquality connection in hard-to-reach and remote areas. Well-known for providing fast and reliable in-flight connectivity to several major commercial airlines, Viasat has designed a network that will deliver consistent, highspeed internet to each connected device on board.
“Hullo’s service launch marks a welcome disruption to the expectations of connectivity on a passenger ferry service,” said Shameem Hashmi, VP of Global Markets at Viasat. “Viasat’s service is designed to allow Hullo’s passengers to do whatever they want or need to do on a connected device, including streaming; it’s that simple.”