First Internet-enabled Commuter Vessels

June 14th, 2007, Göteborg

Blidösundsbolaget’s medium size ferries m/s Sjögull and m/s Sjöbris service the northern Stockholm archipelago. They were recently renovated and equipped with wireless internet allowing passengers with lap tops to browse the web, receive and send e-mails and even connect to their company’s internal web server.

"More and more people have been asking to be connected to the internet during their journey, so as they can use their travelling time more efficiently. We believe that this new service will encourage people to commute by boat and it will also make it possible for them to prolong their summer vacation. We hope that both vacationers and permanent residents alike will discover the advantages of being able to surf or work while travelling", says Göran Ahlqvist, Blidösundsbolaget’s CEO.

Icomera is a leading provider of wireless communication solutions for moving vehicles; with numerous train operators as customers, including SJ, a leading train operator in Sweden. Many of SJ’s passengers prefer the train as it provides them the opportunity to work while they travel. SJ’s Internet Onboard is Sweden’s largest hotspot by far with thousands of daily users access the web.

"Our cooperation with Blidösundsbolaget opens-up new business opportunities", says Frederik Gustafsson, Icomera’s CEO, and continues "There are many ships that operate close to shore that require better data (Internet) communications. Precisely like trains, Icomera offers a complete and fully managed service including operations, monitoring and support".

The uniqueness of Icomera’s communication solution is that it uses multiple wireless technologies and operates these in parallel, including Wi-Fi, Satellite, 3G, & HSDPA; the result being a stable connection and simultaneous high bandwidth. As an example Wi-Fi can be used at quay, mobile networks along the coast line and satellite communication off-shore. The system switches automatically between the different technologies providing optimal performance; while the user works along without interruptions.

Contact persons

Blidösundsbolaget
Göran Ahlqvist, CEO
+46-8-545 29 351

Icomera
Jan Lindberg, Sales Manager
+46-733-10 85 57