Sky-High Connectivity: How In-Flight WiFi Keeps You Online at 35,000 Feet! As more airlines provide WiFi on flights, you may ask how you can stay connected while sailing at 35,000 feet. Although in-flight WiFi is still pricey and occasionally slow, it is a fantastic addition to air travel. This article will provide an overview of how in-flight WiFi works.
The Evolution of In-flight WiFi
Internet access on airplanes began around two decades ago. Boeing created a service named ‘Connexion’ in 2001, and US airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines embraced it. Although it grew commercially with international airlines in 2004, it was phased out in 2006 because to low market demand and operational issues, including its heavy weight of over 450kg.
Gogo, a significant provider of in-flight internet services today, first offered internet in 2008. Gogo had already offered satellite-based in-flight phone services since the 1990s. Early systems used low-bandwidth satellite communications, which made them slow and expensive. However, technological breakthroughs and cost reductions have resulted in the creation of more efficient ground-based and satellite systems.
Ground-Based Systems.
Ground-based systems provided faster speeds than earlier satellite systems and represented the next phase in in-flight internet technology. Air-to-ground (ATG) systems operate by putting antennas on the aircraft’s underside that receive signals from ground-based towers. As the aircraft moves, it connects to the nearby antenna, much like a cell phone network does. These technologies then transmit the signal throughout the airplane via WiFi access points concealed behind wall panels.
Ground-based systems typically have rates of roughly 3 Mbps, but Gogo’s ATG4 technology can reach 10 Mbps.
Satellite-Based Systems
The primary restriction of ground-based systems is their inability to operate over water, necessitating the use of satellite-based systems for long-haul flights. Modern satellite systems have evolved tremendously since their inception.
In a satellite system, an antenna on top of the aircraft communicates with an orbiting satellite, which relays signals between the ground and the aircraft. These systems now offer speeds of roughly 12 Mbps, with emerging technology promising even faster speeds. Gogo’s 2Ku service, for example, provides speeds of up to 70 Mbps, which are sufficient for streaming and similar to many ground connections. Airlines including Aeromexico, Japan Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Air Lines have previously purchased this service.
In Europe, Inmarsat and Deutsche Telekom introduced the European Aviation Network (EAN), a hybrid system that combines ground-based and satellite systems. British Airways is the first customer, and Inmarsat is optimistic about its expansion.
Challenges of In-Flight WiFi
Despite technological developments, several airlines still do not provide in-flight WiFi. The technology is expensive to install and operate, and outside antennas increase drag, raising operating expenses.
Passenger demand is also a consideration. Many travelers continue to expect to be disconnected during flights and may be unwilling to pay for WiFi. As a result, inexpensive airlines and even big long-haul carriers, such as Qantas, have been sluggish to implement the technology.
Even airlines who are considering providing free WiFi confront hurdles. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian stated in 2019 that technical limits prevent the airline from providing free wifi because the current system would crash under increasing load.
Conclusion
In-flight WiFi has evolved significantly, making air travel more connected than ever. While there are still obstacles to overcome, such as pricing and technological constraints, the future of in-flight connectivity appears bright. Have you used WiFi while flying? Was it any good?
Please share your experiences in the comments section below.👍
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