The introduction of Starlink’s satellite internet has revolutionized operations for Journey Beyond, a leading destination tourism company in Australia, ushering in a new age of progress and innovation. “Starlink was a game changer,” states Madhumita Mazumdar, the GM of ICT at Journey Beyond. “We jumped from 1mbps to 250mbps at some sites. Even at 100 or 150mbps, it makes a big difference.”

Mazumdar joined the company during a period of swift growth, which saw the company expand from three to ten brands while navigating the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Journey Beyond invests heavily in rail, owning and operating four luxury trains that span the continent. They also manage a variety of maritime and land transportation options, including seaplanes, ferries, and coaches, providing top-tier experiential tourism.

From a technical standpoint, this rapid expansion brought both new opportunities and challenges. “Suddenly, we had six different systems performing the same function,” Mazumdar remarks. “Supporting them, particularly the older, outdated ones, was a challenge. Some acquired businesses lacked any internet connectivity.”

The absence of internet connection meant no real-time operational data was available. Maintenance issues were logged on paper without any prioritization. “Without tracking, you can’t analyze trends or make data-driven decisions,” Mazumdar adds. The need for a comprehensive internet solution was critical. Previously, they tried VSAT, which provided limited bandwidth and was both costly and inefficient.

Starlink, a satellite internet service by Space X, launched in Australia in early 2021. Initially trialed in parts of Victoria and New South Wales, it promised to offer businesses a viable alternative to expensive, unreliable legacy connections.

One of their most pressing challenges was making on-location sales, such as on the Rottnest Express ferry in Western Australia, where sporadic cellular connectivity hampered payment processing. “Frequently, crew had to defer payments until a stable connection was available, significantly impacting operations,” she explains.

In December 2021, Journey Beyond decided to adopt Starlink, attracted by its promise of low-latency, high-speed connectivity suitable for various applications including voice and video conferencing, online transactions, VPN access, and cloud computing. With speeds reaching up to 200Mbps and latency as low as 20ms, it offered a reliable solution for remote operations.

This proved crucial for staff stationed on remote pontoons, for example, 100km offshore. “Previously, they could maybe download some Netflix shows, but now the possibilities have expanded greatly, improving both their personal and professional lives. Before, communication took a week using expensive satellite phones. Now, they receive updates instantly, the same as everyone else,” Mazumdar concludes.