NETFLIX or AMAZON PRIME/FIRE STICK

[JudiinMt]

Are you able to get these services if you have an unlimited internet package?  Just how would that work?

[Haboob]

39 minutes ago, JudiinMt said:

Are you able to get these services if you have an unlimited internet package?  Just how would that work?

 

In theory, Netflix and Amazon Prime should work just like at home, except via your internet package instead of your ISP.

 

In practice, there's a bit more.  There are two classes of satellite uplinks available to ships: via GEO (Geosynchronous Earth Orbit) satellites and via MEO (Medium Earth Orbit) satellites.  It is the MEO satellites (specifically, the "O3b" satellite constellation) that provide video-capable bandwidth to pax.  The GEO satellites do not.

 

In order to use MEO uplinks, a ship needs a contract with the O3b folks, upgraded satellite tracking hardware, and be within 48º latitude of the equator -- MEO satellites orbit low over the equator and can't see over the bulge of the Earth once you get north of Seattle or Southhampton.

 

As for Firestick, et. al., that would depend upon just what sort of TV is installed in your stateroom and whether you can physically get to any USB ports/whatever it may have.

[Steelers36]

We cruisers need more of those GEO satellites.  Maybe Mr Arnold should call up Elon Musk and see if they can cook a deal!  

[denmarks]

The new flat panel TVs are on the wall and it may be difficult if not impossible to attach something.