Royal Caribbean, O3b Networks Upgrade Wireless Capacity on Ships

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

[Via Satellite 03-21-2014] Royal Caribbean International has invested in new Wi-Fi solutions for two of its ships: Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, providing maximum amounts of wireless capacity to guests at speeds that match what is achieved on land. The ships pair a new generation of medium Earth orbit satellites with specific antenna arrays, delivering high levels of connection. Custom antennae were installed on Oasis of the Seas last month and tested with the cruise line’s satellite communications partner O3b Networks.

“If you’re a first-time guest on one of these ships, you won’t realize how much work it took to make the wireless so pervasive — or that your cell ‘tower’ is 4,900 miles over your head. If you are a return guest, you’ll be blown away by the improvement. It’s that dramatic,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean.