Wi-Fi pilot to launch on Bremerton ferry

What they're saying: "The public expects to have internet access," former Poulsbo Mayor Becky Erickson wrote in a letter to Washington State Ferries more than a year ago, per Washington State Standard.

• "For many people, internet access is crucial to getting daily tasks done."

Driving the news: The ferry system plans to launch a Wi-Fi pilot from May through August at the Bremerton terminal and aboard the M/V Chimacum, according to a recent report to the Legislature.

Catch up quick: WSF currently provides no public internet service, and a previous private-sector attempt was unable to sustain operations due to low revenue and high infrastructure costs, per WSF.

State of play: Bremerton was selected because it's one of the system's longest sailings, where demand for internet access is likely higher, and the Chimacum is scheduled for spring maintenance that allows Wi-Fi equipment to be installed with minimal disruption, ferry officials said.

Yes, but: The trial run must be completed within existing resources, and ferry officials warn that a permanent, systemwide Wi-Fi rollout could require multi-million-dollar investments and ongoing operating costs.

What's next: State lawmakers will eventually have to decide whether to expand ferry Wi-Fi service beyond the pilot project, and if so, how to pay for it.