By: opssys - 5th October 2008 at 03:15
The technology for the Aircraft, Satellite and Ground Segments has been around some years. The problem has primarily been regulatory (and still is). The same technology suite can be used for Mobile Voice and SMS Messaging (The FAA really don’t like the last two)
In Britain OFCOM have issued Guidelines and UK Airlines are planning, or reviewing introduction of these services.
Another problem is how to cost the service so that providers and the Airline Makes Money, so pricing is a real issue and a bit of a conundrum for all concerned.
Some consider that Mobile Voice and SMS costs per call will be easier for Passengers to swallow, rather than a big charge for total service link.
Others are avoiding the Mobile Phone issue and going only for internet connectivity, and therefore either charging by sector, or by time (Internet Cafe style).
In a decade’s time Unified Communication Access will probably be a standard feature, but for now there will be years of ‘Pick and Mix’ – Ranging from No Service through to Full Service and everything in between.
By: T5 - 4th October 2008 at 10:36
Internet was offered by Etihad Airways when I flew with them in late 2006 at a cost of approximately $30 for each leg of the journey.
By: tommyinyork - 2nd October 2008 at 22:32
Im sure Emirates will sometime soon.
They have email already.
By: Ship 741 - 2nd October 2008 at 11:34
FYI, “Porn alert stops Qantas A380 live net link”
By: Mark L - 2nd October 2008 at 11:29
In flight internet technology has been around for years. Connexion by Boeing was the first commercial venture that was rolled out on board but the business was not a success and folded a few years ago.
El Al have had a system in place for a while now on, I think, all their long haul aircraft.
American Airlines have just launched a “trial” onboard all their 767-200 aircraft, which fly solely between New York and San Francisco/Los Angeles. This appears to be working quite a lot better although I’ve not had the chance to try it out just yet.
It will be commonplace in a few years, but for now the availability of the technology is very much on a small scale and only with a handful of specific operators and aircraft.
By: symon - 2nd October 2008 at 00:03
Conor; whereas the technology is being developed for onboard internet access, it is not yet at the full commercial stage. Even if it is being trialled now, it will likely be restricted to First/Business class. My suggestion: put some music/movies on your laptop and listen/watch those during the flight (that’s if the on board IFE isn’t up to much).
By: Conor Mc - 1st October 2008 at 22:53
I bought a new laptop im moving to australia to live in 4 weeks 🙂
By: Arabella-Cox - 1st October 2008 at 22:49
Quick question, where do you plan on gaining access to the interenet? I don’t think 35000 feet above the atlantic is covered by Wi-Fi. 😀
The only suggestion would be using your mobile phone, but the use of them is banned on flights.
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October 1, 2008 at 10:44 pm