Royal Caribbean Asks FCC To "Expeditiously" Approve Starlink On Cruise Ships

[b_ohare]

Royal Caribbean Asks FCC To "Expeditiously" Approve Starlink On Cruise Ships

FTA:

Royal Caribbean Group, the world's second-largest cruise line operator, after Carnival Corporation & plc, requested the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) clear the way for next-generation high-speed internet on cruise ships.

Current internet speeds on ships range between 3-5Mbps for download. For reference, the average US household has a download speed of about 43Mbps. The age of remote working has pushed Royal Caribbean towards Elon Musk's SpaceX satellite internet system Starlink to drastically improve internet speeds on ships that would make the trip enjoyable for passengers in the connected age.

Royal Caribbean Group Vice President of Operational Excellence, John Maya, sent a letter to FCC Chief Tom Sullivan to "expeditiously" approve Starlink use on cruise ships.

[Brian.D]

I thought the whole purpose of the trip was to get away from the keyboard and enjoy the journey?

I vote for the FCC to say... NO!

[NaClyDog]

Originally Posted by Brian.D

I thought the whole purpose of the trip was to get away from the keyboard and enjoy the journey?

I vote for the FCC to say... NO!

Do you always like to control what other people do in their spare time?

[Brian.D]

Note the word "thought", not control. Big difference. And it is an opinion. I think I am still allowed to have one or two of those.

[Chuck34]

Originally Posted by Brian.D

I vote for the FCC to say... NO!

I say vote yes and let the passengers decide to use it or not.
As the old saying goes, “Better to have it and not need it …..”

[CFS Klopas]

Meanwhile, Dish Network is asking Musk and the FCC to yank service from people installing Starlink on moving objects because this approval hasn't been granted.

[GordMay]

Royal Caribbean Letter to FCC ➥ https://www.scribd.com/document/5778...er-to-FCC-Fina

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Royal Caribbean Letter to FCC ➥ https://www.scribd.com/document/5778...er-to-FCC-Fina

Read as “ please give us cheaper high speed internet at sea , so we can really charge our quests loads to access it. !!

[SV Tom Crean]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Read as “ please give us cheaper high speed internet at sea , so we can really charge our quests loads to access it. !!

I suspect they are already charging loads to access their current (probably viasat) slow connections. if they could provide higher speed for the same loads of money their guests might be even happier.

Cruise ships and airlines will put huge pressure on regulators to speed up approvals as the current offerings give a really poor customer experience. SpaceX and Oneweb are changing the market big time.

[rslifkin]

Originally Posted by Brian.D

I thought the whole purpose of the trip was to get away from the keyboard and enjoy the journey?

I vote for the FCC to say... NO!

Ideally it is, but for some people, depending on work requirements, etc. having connectivity makes the difference of going vs not going.

[S/V Illusion]

Most cruisers like to communicate via text and email, read the news, send pictures, talk to other passengers, etc… life doesn’t stop just because you go on a cruise.

[Brian.D]

I'm being facetious now, but there is truth to this image.

[Rumrace]

They are assuming Musk will allow FCC to continue cause he’s thinking global not a commission representing 6%.

[GordMay]

A recent survey indicates that the Smartphone is now, without a doubt, the number one hand held device!
Closely followed by the penis, which is usually held in the other hand

While I was out driving, I saw another person driving, while talking on their cell phone.
I got so upset, I threw my beer at him.

I forgot my cell phone, when I went to the toilet yesterday.
Our bathroom has 245 tiles.

Q: How is a toddler like a cell phone?
A: If you can't find it in three days, it's probably dead.

[Anders]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Read as “ please give us cheaper high speed internet at sea , so we can really charge our quests loads to access it. !!

They already do. Last cruise I was on charged £20 a day for the ultimate package.