Two Airlines Move Ahead With In-Flight Internet Plans
from the looking-through-the-clouds dept
One of the many modern tech myths seems to be the idea that in-flight internet access is guaranteed to be a success, even though this has proven not to be the case. The supposed demand for the service among travelers hasn't been enough to overcome the cost of the service, both for airlines and end users, and technical barriers, as highlighted by the failure of Boeing's much-hyped Connexion service. Now, however, one of the airlines that offered Connexion, Lufthansa, says it's working with T-Mobile to bring back in-flight internet access, while American has signed a deal with AirCell to offer its service to travelers on some planes. Lufthansa wants a system that supports WiFi, but also SMS and cellular data, though it won't allow cellular voice calls; American plans to test WiFi access on some transcontinental domestic flights before deciding whether to proceed. The American system will differ from Connexion in that it won't use satellites, but an air-to-ground radio system, explaining why it will only be available domestically. Hopefully this will translate into lower costs for consumers than the $30 per flight Connexion charged, otherwise the service will suffer the same fate. Lufthansa is reportedly looking at a satellite-based system for its long-haul flights, and unless it's figured out some way to slash the costs of such a system and pass the savings on to consumers, it's hard to see things working out any better this time around.Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
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Filed Under: airlines
Companies: aircell, american airlines, boeing, lufthansa
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LOWER COST WHEN DEALING WITH AIRLINES.....
That is like asking NOT to have to pay $3 for a soda at the airport. They KNOW they have a captive audience. Whatever their cost to provide the service they will mark it up so much that it will be expensive for the consumer anyway. Airlines are not any better than the movie industry when it comes that that type thing.
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Level of service
No one is going to pay $30 for a short flight but if it were an 8 hour+ flight, then suddenly it might be reasonable.
There are technical hurdles for the airline, no doubt, but I think its worth pursuing.
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Seating
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Business
Actually I disagree. Business long haul people (like myself) will definitely use it. $30 on top of a long-haul ticket is negligable, it goes on expenses anyway so not noticeable. Overnight flights not such a big deal but if I have to do a daytime long-haul, having access to webmail means I can be busy and productive for the whole flight rather than being incommunicado.
Yes, the average holiday-maker ain't going to be forking out, but I bet a large chunk of the business travel community will.
(nice pun btw)
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Re: Business
If you take the into account the take-off and landing intervals, boot-up, and shut-down -- on a 75 minute flight I wind up with maybe 30 to 40 minutes of usable time. If I work at all, I keep local copies and use them directly.
In addition -- if this lets serial yakkers connect via VOIP, I will never get on another airplane.
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Oh god, I can't even imagine that. Glad to see non-stop talkers annoy others as much as me.
Some people act like they are literally powered by a phone on the ear. If it's not there, they slowly loose energy.
And you know - some would be more than happy to pay $30 to talk while they are flying. The worst part being - in order to 'get their money's worth' - they'd have to talk non-stop....
$30.00 is too much for me! I'd much rather read a book. Heck, even $10.00 is debatable. Often on a plane, my mood on what I want to do changes a lot, and if I happen to find someone friendly to talk with, I will do so. Of course, I don't go non-stop and I'm not as obnoxious as those cell phone people who want everyone to hear about their life....
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Business - gus
Tim
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Airline executives
I highly doubt anyone will price their access under $10 per flight.
Satellite access makes sense because it introduces enough latency that VoIP is not going to work... and we all know how everyone would HATE sitting within 3 rows of some moron who calls Aunt Belinda to discuss the latest dog show results using their VoIP phone during a long flight. It's very easy to see some irate passenger turn medieval and beat the living daylights out of the previously mentioned moron.
Personally, I would definitely find an opportunity to "spill" my hot coffee in said moron's lap.
Internet access does have its' appeal. I'd like to process my business expenses. Our new system doesn't let me maintain a spreadsheet and upload it... our company has the wisdom to require realtime internet access to process expenses.
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The problem is IF they allow you to connect to VOIP services on these flights, my company, Philips has a USB VOIP phone (VOIP080) that works thru SKYPE and I along with all of you will be subjected to these torturous calls.
I guess it's time to invest in a good set of Noise Cancellation headphones...
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Price right for market
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