MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - FCC approves cheaper WiFi technology on planes

Alexander Turcic · 12-16-2004, 03:19 PM

This is bad news for Boeing's exclusive "Connexion" technology, which uses satellites to get air passengers online. Associated Press reports that the Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday approved technology giving airlines what could be a cheaper option to provide Internet connections.

Unlike Connexion, which costs roughly USD $500,000 per jet to install the needed equipment, airlines can now offer high-speed Internet connections for 1/5th of the costs through the frequencies used by seatback phones.

The article also mentioned the possible end of the ban on in-flight use of cell phones. Unfortunately, results of an independent study aren't due until 2006.

Update: Here is a link to the official FCC statement on broadband services while in-flight.

[Article first seen at PDA247]

12-16-2004, 03:19 PM	#1
Alexander Turcic Fully Converged Posts: 18,175 Karma: 14021202 Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Switzerland Device: Too many to count here.	FCC approves cheaper WiFi technology on planes This is bad news for Boeing's exclusive "Connexion" technology, which uses satellites to get air passengers online. Associated Press reports that the Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday approved technology giving airlines what could be a cheaper option to provide Internet connections. Unlike Connexion, which costs roughly USD $500,000 per jet to install the needed equipment, airlines can now offer high-speed Internet connections for 1/5th of the costs through the frequencies used by seatback phones. The article also mentioned the possible end of the ban on in-flight use of cell phones. Unfortunately, results of an independent study aren't due until 2006. Update: Here is a link to the official FCC statement on broadband services while in-flight. [Article first seen at PDA247]