Delta to offer in-flight Wi-Fi thanks to Aircell’s Gogo system
By Justin Montgomery
Delta has vowed to have all its domestic flights equipped with true in-flight Wi-Fi access by 2009. Aircell’s “Air-To-Ground” (ATG) technology provides the broadband connection, and allows passengers to access anything they please for a flat-fee of $9.95 for 3-hour and under flights, and $12.95 for flights over 3-hours.
Wi-Fi service will be offered on Delta’s fleet of 133 MD88/90 aircraft initially, and will rapidly expand to the remaining domestic fleet of more than 200 Boeing 737, 757 and 767-300 aircraft throughout the first half of 2009, according to company. Delta chose Aircell’s technology because of its ability to be installed almost overnight in an aircraft, and because it takes such a small amount of space and power consumption.
As to how it all works, It’s somewhat unclear. According to their website, the network operates off of a third-party cellular network. As they put it; “the Aircell network provides border-to-border, coast-to-coast wireless frequency coverage for in-flight broadband utilizing Aircell’s patented technology and national, wholly-owned cellular network.”
The service is only available in the US on domestic-based flights that stay within the country, but it’s still available on over 1,000 flights per day overall. It’s by far the largest attempt at full-fledge in-flight Wi-Fi access so far, and Delta was smart to be the one behind it. It’s sure to spread to other airlines shortly, as passengers begin to expect it.
I would have guessed full broadband access in-flight would have cost considerably more than a flat-fee of $10-$13. It looks like Aircell and Delta plan to subsidize that cost with advertising as well. As long as they don’t stick banner ads everywhere it’s fine with me. The service also includes free access to what they deem as “valuable online content” from The Wall Street Journal and Frommer’s, or in other words more advertising-supported content. Be that as it may, it’s still a welcomed improvement.
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