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Post by Ferryman on Aug 10, 2009 21:23:52 GMT -8
I know this topic has been brought up amongst other various discussions, but I figure I might as well bring it up in its own thread....hoping one hasn't already been made.. Last night aboard the Oak Bay, I was playing with my computer, and just for fun, I check to see if there's any sort of WiFi to access. Of course the answer is no. But BC Ferries crews seem to enjoy trying to trick those of us who might have the luxury of bringing a personal computer wherever they go. But here's a screenshot of the available Networks aboard the Queen of Oak Bay. Both of which are accessable without a password, however they do not provide access to the internet....at least I don't think they do. If I can remember well enough, I think the Coastal Renaissance has this same teaser with "Free Public WiFi" as well.  |
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rt1commuter
Chief Steward
JP - Overworked grad student
Posts: 167
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Post by rt1commuter on Aug 11, 2009 8:20:13 GMT -8
Wasn't there a short period of time when the ferries had internet, via the little ethernet sockets in the study carrels?
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Post by Mike C on Aug 11, 2009 9:51:03 GMT -8
Chris, I came across the same networks on the Celebration and Inspiration... it had me excited.  |
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Post by Kahloke on Aug 11, 2009 9:58:32 GMT -8
This is one arena where Steamship Authority trumps both BC Ferries and WSF. They offer FREE wi-fi, which I used last year when I rode on MV Nantucket.
WSF joined the Boingo network and offers wi-fi on some of its runs, but the service is spotty at best, and it's not free. It's certainly not worth the price of admission.
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Post by cohocatcher on Aug 15, 2009 19:12:56 GMT -8
I talked to a nice lady in the Chief Steward's office aboard the CR on Friday morning. When I mentioned the numbered ports at the workstations, she said that the big problem is to get a reliable provider for the INTERNET. She also stated that the wireless access they have aboard (for business purposes) is spotty at best.
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Post by gc on Aug 23, 2009 23:27:43 GMT -8
Hi folks.  The 'Free Public Wifi' SSID is something that you'll see pop up all over the world as ad-hoc connections, which mean they are broadcasted by another computer (usually a laptop) rather than a proper access point. It's sort of a wifi meme.. blogs.chron.com/techblog/archives/2006/09/free_public_wif.html has a good explanation. |
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on Jul 8, 2010 11:52:06 GMT -8
BC FERRIES PILOTING FREE WIRELESS INTERNET SERVICEBC Ferries will be piloting a free wireless Internet service on all ships servicing the Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay route, as well as at these two major terminals. The service will enable our customers to text, email and browse the Internet. The company just launched the Wi-Fi pilot on the four vessels servicing the busiest route in the fleet. Free wireless Internet is now available in the buffet, Seawest Lounge, as well as most of the passenger lounges on the ships. In addition, Wi-Fi is also accessible to customers at the Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay terminals. “Customers have requested Internet access and we are pleased to offer our passengers free Wi-Fi when they travel with us,” said Geoff Dickson, BC Ferries’ Vice President of Catering and Retail Operations. “Now the crossing can be more productive for business travellers and for others just wanting to surf the Internet.” This service is currently being tested on the Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay route. BC Ferries looks forward to expanding Internet on board the Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay and Tsawwassen – Duke Point routes in the near future. www.bcferries.com/bcferries/faces/attachments?id=203698
I have noticed that any purchases made by credit card onboard vessels on Routes 2, 3 and 30 are being instantly processed. Because of that, I assume that the free public WiFi will be coming to those routes pretty quick...
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Post by Kahloke on Jul 8, 2010 14:45:27 GMT -8
BC FERRIES PILOTING FREE WIRELESS INTERNET SERVICEBC Ferries will be piloting a free wireless Internet service on all ships servicing the Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay route, as well as at these two major terminals. The service will enable our customers to text, email and browse the Internet. That's awesome! WSF has been offering Wi-Fi for a few years now on most of its major routes. Alas, it is not free, nor is it always that reliable. It's a little better since they switched over to Boingo, but it's still hit and miss with the connection, even on the Seattle-Bainbridge route. WSF really needs to follow suit and start making it free, like BC Ferries, SSA (Steamship Authority), and now, Starbucks - yes, Starbucks. OK, I know that's not exactly the same as being on a ferry, but Starbucks is now offering free Wi-Fi at all their stores, at least in the US. |
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Post by lmtengs on Jul 8, 2010 15:28:22 GMT -8
That's not awesome! Now, since it's offered in the buffet and the cafeteria too, people will use the WiFi there since there are tables in those areas, then those areas will fill up and I doubt the crew will do more than a polite announcement to leave the cafe.... Luke angry. |
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Post by WettCoast on Jul 8, 2010 19:16:36 GMT -8
Is this service 'free' just during the test phase, or is it to be free in the long term?
Somehow I just can not see BCFS passing up an opportunity to make some more on-board revenue.
Jim the sceptic ....
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Post by lmtengs on Jul 9, 2010 12:12:59 GMT -8
I swear I read somewhere that it'll cost 10 dollars in the future... but that does seem a bit high, even for BC Ferries.
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Post by Scott on Jul 12, 2010 21:39:58 GMT -8
I swear I read somewhere that it'll cost 10 dollars in the future... but that does seem a bit high, even for BC Ferries. Same here. It was either 24 or the Metro. I'm sure one said free and the other one said 10 dollars. |
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Post by Low Light Mike on Jul 14, 2010 17:25:52 GMT -8
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Post by Curtis on Jul 14, 2010 18:48:36 GMT -8
Alright! Free Interwebs on our Ferries! ;D All I have to do now is wait for it to go fleetwide...
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Post by lmtengs on Jul 14, 2010 20:18:44 GMT -8
Here's where I read about the 10$ thing: |
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on Jul 14, 2010 20:20:54 GMT -8
Here's where I read about the 10$ thing: The $10.00 charge is planned with Air Canada, not BC Ferries... |
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Post by lmtengs on Jul 14, 2010 20:24:59 GMT -8
Here's where I read about the 10$ thing: The $10.00 charge is planned with Air Canada, not BC Ferries... I just realized that GAWSH, Ferryman! ;D   |
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Post by FerryDude2012 on Aug 11, 2010 21:02:41 GMT -8
Some details on the specific areas of each ship where the Free Wifi is availible:
Spirit of British Columbia/Spirit of Vancouver Island: Pacific Buffet, Seawest Lounge, A and B Lounge on Deck 6.
Coastal Celebration: Seawest Lounge, Pacific Buffet, Main TV Lounge, Deck 5 seating lounges.
Queen of New Westminster: Seawest Lounge, Coast Cafe Express, Lounges on Deck 5
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on Apr 13, 2012 23:00:10 GMT -8
...it's making its way to vessels and terminals on Route 2 and 3, but not 30 quite yet. [/u] Compiled By Daily News Published: Friday, April 13, 2012 Travellers will soon be able to surf the net wireless devices such as laptops, tablets and cell phones while making the crossing between Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay. After successful tests on board the Victoria-Vancouver route, B.C. Ferries expects to start expanding Wi-Fi to Nanaimo's main run as early as June. "We've got the equipment and will be installing it shortly, then we will go into test mode," said Deborah Marshall, B.C. Ferries spokeswoman in an e-mail. "We are aiming to have it live by June." "We will be making a formal announcement when dates etc... get finalized." The service will be free and will also affect the Horseshoe BayLangdale route, but not Duke Point "at this time." © The Daily News (Nanaimo) 2012[/size][/quote] www2.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/news/story.html?id=eabb97ea-10d8-4de0-b4c7-d28e13e687a9 |
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Post by Name Omitted on Apr 14, 2012 8:10:16 GMT -8
Just a reminder to all- be weary that you are, in fact, on a trusted free wi-fi before doing anything sensitive.
I can set up a computer to connect to a wifi, and then create a wifi hotspot with a nice sounding name (like "Free Public WiFi"). If your computer is closer to my computer than to the wifi hotspot, or if I have stronger transmitter than the official one, it will appear at the top of the list of most wireless devices. You connect to the internet through my computer, and I record every password that you use during that session.
This scam works best in areas where people don’t expect exelant service, as they tend to not notice lag, and in areas where people are at the same place for long periods of time, and get bored and complacent about security.
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The 'Free Public Wifi' SSID is something that you'll see pop up all over the world as ad-hoc connections, which mean they are broadcasted by another computer (usually a laptop) rather than a proper access point. It's sort of a wifi meme..
