High Flying Internet (LINK)
December 8th 2007 06:14
Something I would have liked when I was flying to and from the UK in the last few months was access to the Internet. I could use my laptop but couldn’t check up details online.
Next time I fly this may have changed. JetBlue Airways are planning to offer Internet access on one of their planes, beginning next week. At this point it’s a trial run, but the long-term aim is to make the Internet fully available to passengers. However, just as electronic equipment can’t be used now while the plane is taking off or landing, Internet access will be confined to planes that are cruising.
JetBlue aren’t alone in this. American Airlines and Virgin America are both planning to install Aircell equipment on at least one plane each in the next month or so, and a company called Row 44 has brokered a deal with Alaska Airlines for Internet access on their planes in the near future.
The LiveTV company will be handling the equipment installations for Virgin, but there are still bugs to be worked out. Until these are dealt with, most Internet access will be free on these planes. Later on it’s surmised that a charge of $10 for access per flight will be normal.
And at present most of these planes are flying only over the USA. Row 44 is developing a system that will function over the ocean, so travellers who don’t happen to be flying across the United States won’t be excluded.
Next time I fly this may have changed. JetBlue Airways are planning to offer Internet access on one of their planes, beginning next week. At this point it’s a trial run, but the long-term aim is to make the Internet fully available to passengers. However, just as electronic equipment can’t be used now while the plane is taking off or landing, Internet access will be confined to planes that are cruising.
JetBlue aren’t alone in this. American Airlines and Virgin America are both planning to install Aircell equipment on at least one plane each in the next month or so, and a company called Row 44 has brokered a deal with Alaska Airlines for Internet access on their planes in the near future.
The LiveTV company will be handling the equipment installations for Virgin, but there are still bugs to be worked out. Until these are dealt with, most Internet access will be free on these planes. Later on it’s surmised that a charge of $10 for access per flight will be normal.
And at present most of these planes are flying only over the USA. Row 44 is developing a system that will function over the ocean, so travellers who don’t happen to be flying across the United States won’t be excluded.
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