The Change Mariner

Destination Wi-Fi, by Rail, Bus or Boat

The New York Times:

In the United States, nearly six million people commute daily by public transportation, according to the Department of Transportation. Few operators offer wireless Internet access in their stations and terminals - much less on board - even though it is now routinely found in many airports, hotels and coffee shops. But trials and planning are under way in several countries to determine the technical feasibility of offering mobile Internet access, and whether commuters will ultimately pay for the privilege.

Providing Internet access on vessels and vehicles is not as simple as adding it to a fixed venue, like a restaurant or even a convention center. Boats, buses and trains have metal skins or hulls that block wireless signals. They move, often at average speeds of 20 to 100 miles per hour, requiring a system that can rapidly and seamlessly hand off a signal. And they could have large numbers of simultaneous users, many of whom are already working on laptops during the voyage.

Posted by Timothy Fredel at July 8, 2004 08:15 PM | TrackBack
Related Categories: Area - Tech - Wi-Fi | Industry - Telecommunications | Industry - Travel | Quadrant - Technological

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