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Within a year or so, TransLink customers will have access to free wireless internet during their commutes.

On Wednesday, the regional transit authority announced that it has a partnership with telecommunications company Shaw to offer the service on its SkyTrain, SeaBuses and buses.

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“This is going to have a huge impact on our customers’ experience,” said TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond. “They’ll be able to surf, stream, connect with family and friends and get some work done on their commute.”

Desmond said the Wi-Fi will come at no cost to TransLink or its customers. Under the agreement, Shaw will install and operate the system, and it will be accessible to everyone, even if they are not Shaw customers. The deal is the first of its kind in Canada.

Since 2016, there has been free Wi-Fi at SeaBus terminals and on SeaBuses through a similar agreement with Shaw.

Photo by Francis Georgian / PNG

When asked if users will have to go through ads to access the wireless internet, Desmond said that is a possibility.