Wi-Fi Hits the Airways
The definition of hyperconnected just got a little more hyper…
Earlier this week, Delta Air Lines announced that will be offering broadband Internet access on all its domestic flights. Starting next fall, Wi-Fi will be available to passengers in first-class and economy seats for a flat fee of $9.95 for short flights of three hours or less and 12.95 for longer flights.
Passengers will be able to connect to the Internet through Aircell’s “Gogo” portal from any device that has a built-in wireless transmitter, including smartphones, PDAs, MIDs, and laptops. Using a system of 100 sky bound cell towers scattered throughout the US, AirCell can secure the entire coast-to-coast connection.
Once an airplane equipped with Wi-Fi reaches an alttitude10,000 feet, passengers can turn on their electronic devices and log on via Gogo’s website.
Aside from Delta, both American Airlines and Virgin America, have reportedly signed contracts with Aircell and are testing the service on their flights. And Southwest Airlines is also planning on offering Wi-Fi service available sometime next year.
