Alaska Marine Highway System Launches WiFi Pilot Program on MV Columbia
In December, passengers on a voyage between Bellingham, Washington, and Southeast Alaska became the first to use the new, free WiFi feature on MV Columbia. The pilot project will be expanded to vessels across the Alaska Marine Highway System fleet in the future.
Passengers on MV Columbia can now stay connected to friends and family during their voyage with the successful launch of a WiFi pilot project, marking a significant step in modernizing the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS).
During a recent voyage between Bellingham, Washington, and Southeast Alaska, Columbia became the first AMHS vessel to provide free, ship-wide WiFi access, including in the solarium, lounges, staterooms, and bar, as well as crew quarters and crew dining areas. More than 450 users connected during the first week in service, demonstrating high demand for onboard connectivity.
Federal Funding for Expansion
The pilot project improves the onboard experience for both crew and passengers.
“For our crew, staying connected to family and modern life during off-hours is essential, and this effort reflects our commitment to their well-being and job satisfaction,” says Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Commissioner Ryan Anderson. “For passengers, especially those on multi-day voyages like the Bellingham run, WiFi enables continuity in communication and the ability to share the unique experiences of sailing Alaska’s National Scenic Byway in real time.”
The project also supports AMHS’s broader vision to enhance the passenger experience and attract more travelers to the system. Future phases will expand WiFi access across the fleet, starting with MV Aurora and MV LeConte, using recently secured federal funding.
Adding WiFi required overcoming significant technical and logistical challenges. AMHS collaborated with a cross-functional team of marine engineers, IT specialists, and project managers, alongside contractors and other state employees. The advent of low-Earth orbit satellite technology, such as Starlink, solved long-standing issues with traditional satellite connectivity in Alaska’s mountainous Inside Passage. Unlike older systems, Starlink’s direct, vertical satellite positioning avoids signal interference caused by terrain.
However, distributing secure wireless access throughout the steel-constructed Columbia posed hurdles. The project required running thousands of feet of cable, strategically placing thirty-seven access points during the vessel’s overhaul in the Ketchikan shipyard. The team’s detailed planning and execution ensured robust coverage for both passengers and crew.
“We’re thrilled to see this project come to life,” says Chryssa King, from the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities IT Project Management Office. “This is just the beginning. With federal funding now in hand, we’re working to replicate this model across the fleet, bringing modern connectivity to all our vessels and enhancing the travel experience for everyone on the Alaska Marine Highway.”