Wifi Revolution

Progress in Wi-Fi technology in airplanes, both via ground antennae and satellite have been reported this week and passengers are soon expected to get Wi-Fi by either of these methods.

 

Both technologies are expected to deliver Wi-Fi service to passengers and the service is likely to be free. While users will be able to surf the Web and access their e-mail accounts, they will be blocked from using cell phones and VoIP.

 

Dan Garton, American's executive VP of marketing was quoted in a report as saying, “There's a tremendous amount of intrigue and appeal for travelers to be able to utilize the Internet when traveling 30,000 feet above the United States at 500 miles per hour.”

 

But the airlines are not rushing to get the new service on their flights. They are testing the waters before they make the plunge and the service will be rigorously tested before it is submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration for approval.

 

Southwest Airlines on Wednesday said it is testing satellite-based service developed by Row 44. The airline hopes to begin testing Internet service on four of its aircraft this summer.

 

Meanwhile, Aircell's Internet broadband finds a place in one of the 15 Boeing 767-200 aircraft from American Airlines. This air-to-ground technology makes use a network of 92 cell towers spread across the continental U.S. The airline is planning to install and test the technology in all 15 Boeing 767s and is looking to start the service on the planes this summer. Smaller planes are expected to get this service a little later.

 

Alaska Airlines is also making use of the services of Row 44 and hopes to offer the service to passengers this year. JetBlue Airways is testing an in-flight wireless service with Yahoo and BlackBerry (News - Alert) maker Research In Motion.

 

In Europe, Air France is testing Mobile OnAir's system and passengers can use it for e-mail and Web surfing.  Unlike the US, which has proposed to ban the usage of Cell Phones in planes, Air France is planning to get the approval for cell phone usage in a few months on the Air France Airbus A-318 plane that is testing the service.

 

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