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In-Flight Wi-Fi

FCC Approves In-Flight Wi-Fi, Will Examine Lifting Airplane Cell Phone Ban

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 15, 2004 - 11:31am.
Washington -- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on Wednesday that it has voted unanimously to allow airlines to offer in-flight wireless high-speed Internet access. The agency will also examine current rules with an eye towards eliminating the ban on in-flight cell phone use. While the FCC said that in-flight wireless Internet access could launch in the U.S. as soon as 2006, German airline Lufthansa began offering broadband Internet on some flights in May through a deal with Boeing's Connexion service. The FCC is seeking public comment with regard to lifting the in-flight cell phone use ban, and will collaborate with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on ensuring that calls do not disrupt a plane's electrical systems or cell phone use on the ground. It's unclear what steps airlines will take to ensure etiquette is observed by cell phone users in the cramped quarters of an airplane.
tags: Mobile | FCC | In-Flight Wi-Fi | Airplane Cell Phone Ban |

Vodafone Links Up with Boeing to Provide In-Flight Wi-Fi

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 13, 2004 - 2:55am.
London -- Vodafone Group, the largest mobile network operator in the world, announced on Monday that it is working with the Boeing Company through business unit Connexion by Boeing to deliver in-flight Wi-Fi to business customers. Vodafone said the two companies would begin trials later this month and eventually negotiate a full partnership agreement if the trials are successful. "Following successful trials and Vodafone entering into a commercial agreement with us, Vodafone customers will be able to access the Connexion by Boeing service on equipped commercial flights as we introduce high-speed in-flight connectivity worldwide," said David Friedman, vice president of Marketing and Direct Sales for Connexion by Boeing. Vodafone said the service would most likely be available first on Germany's Lufthansa jets in Europe. All Nippon Airways, China Airlines, Japan Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines and Singapore Airlines will also start offering Connexion by Boeing in the near future, the company said.
tags: Deals | Vodafone | Boeing | In-Flight Wi-Fi |