United updates speed of in-flight WiFi
Gogo’s WiFi service lets you use your WiFi enabled devices while flying between destinations (remember: You can’t use devices on the runway). For those who can’t be parted from the internet, this is a very useful service that is about to be upgraded, at least on United’s premium flights.
According to Engadget, United is going to upgrade its p.s.® Premium Service fleet to Gogo ‘s new ATG-4 connectivity solution. That means that in-flight WiFi speeds will triple from 3.1Mbps up to 9.8 Mbps. The speed increase is going to come from “using directional antennae, dual modems and EV-DO Rev. B”. That probably isn’t as fast as what you get at home from your broadband provider but it is pretty good.
"Passengers on board United’s p.s. fleet have long enjoyed Gogo’s in-flight Internet service and these routes have grown to be some of the most popular routes for connectivity related services," said Gogo’s president and CEO Michael Small. "By upgrading to ATG-4, Gogo will be able to better address the growing demand for Internet access on these flights now and in the future."
Remember though that United has only committed to upgrading it’s Premium Service Fleet which consists of 13 Boeing 757’s flying from New York to Los Angeles or San Francisco. Anyone flying on any other route will only get the 3.1 Mbps speeds
United isn’t the only airline using Gogo’s service. You can also go online if you are flying Air Canada, Air Tran, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, U.S. Airways and Virgin American. Passengers can access the service once the plane reaches 10,000 feet and the crew announces that it is safe to turn on electronic devices.
For those who don’t want to watch or listen to the entertainment that you downloaded on your device, you can pre-purchase a Gogo package that will allow you to access the services for 24 hrs, or a month for a discounted price. Yeah, you can stay connected but you have to pay for it. For those who would rather use the time on your flight for something cheaper, you can always talk to your seat neighbor. . . or watch the Star Trek reruns you downloaded.
July 22nd, 2012
Internet does seem helpful while on a plane, I think I could live without it for some time. As long as I had a few movies on my iPad, then I would be set. Those internet plans seem a bit expensive for a person who flies rarely. It makes much more sense for someone who practically lives in the air.