Cal Mac wi-fi rollout

Ferry company Cal Mac plans to launch wi-fi internet services at sea for passengers this summer.

Wireless internet access is presently being tested on MV Loch Seaforth which plies the Stornoway to Ullapool route - one of the shipping firm’s longest voyage without land-based reception.

On-board internet will allow travellers to stay in touch while the vessel is miles out at sea, out of sight of land, and will also permit ferry bosses to send orders and vital documents to ship captains from Cal Mac’s Gourock headquarters.

A CalMac spokesman said: “Test wi-fi connections are now available on the MV Loch Seaforth, plus a number of other vessels and port facilities.

"Once we are satisfied these are working as we would expect the service will be proactively marketed to passengers."

He added: “The roll out of this service has been dependent on critical communications links being put in place by third party telecoms providers which has unfortunately taken longer than we would have wished.

“We are now pleased to be making real progress and look forward to launching the service across our network in the summer which, will significantly improve digital connectivity for communities in the remote areas we serve.”

Cal Mac progresses wi-fi rollout on Western Isles ferries

20 April 2016