In-flight Internet Coming Soon

A U.S. airline has finally stepped up to the plate when it comes to Internet and flying. Alaska Airlines recently announced that it will test a high-speed satellite wireless Internet service on its aircraft next year.

If the test is a success, Alaska Airlines will be the first U.S. carrier to offer such a service and will implement it onto its entire, 114-aircraft fleet.

The cabin will have Wi-Fi spots which customers will be able to access and will work over water and internationally. The price of the service is still unavailable.

The service will be provided by Row 44 based in California.

The concept of Internet in the skies is not a new one. Aircraft broadband services had serious difficulty taking off in the past. For instance, Boeing’s Connexion was pulled off the market last year as airlines weren’t taking to the service as expected.

While many international airlines were ready to sign on, most US airlines were hesitant due to the terrorist attacks of 2001 and the industry downturn that resulted.

American Airlines also plans to Test Broadband on Flights

Alaska Airlines is not the only U.S. pioneer. American Airlines have also announced plans to test a broadband service but will use air-to-ground technology as opposed to satellites. American Airlines’ broadband will also have a fee attached, but the exact cost is not yet known.

AirCell, the provider, said it will build cellular towers throughout the US to beam the signal to aircrafts.