Wi-Fi Available on 1 out of Every 3 U.S. Planes
Wi-Fi Available on 1 out of Every 3 U.S. Planes
Posted 07/18/2010 at 10:13am
| by Justin Kerr
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Wi-Fi service in the air started out as a bit of a novelty, but it has since ballooned to encompass nearly 1 out of every 3 U.S. passenger planes. Despite the rapid growth studies have shown that less than 10% of passengers use the service, mostly because it's just too expensive to justify. Regardless of the numbers however, many airlines are reporting that they plan to finish adding this feature to their entire fleet within a few years, so clearly they must be making money somehow.
Aircell continues to lead the pack in terms of installed base in the U.S, but the competition could soon be heating up from a company named Row 44 who just recently managed to clear through the regulatory red tape that slowed their initial rollout. Aircell clearly has the first mover advantage, but Row 44 has the international roaming agreements that could make a difference in the long haul.
As the recession eases and companies loosen up restrictions on expense accounts we may see adoption of in-flight Wi-Fi rise, but it will still be difficult for the individual consumer to justify at $13. Tweeting "I'm texting from 30,000 feet" might sound like tons of fun, but the novelty has worn off long before the charge hits your credit card.
What is in-flight Wi-Fi worth to you? Does it need to be free?
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gymbeau2000
July 19, 2010 at 8:30am
The reason why this will never..take off...is because rarely go the seats your in have electrical outlets. Only first classand some business have a way to power your device. Who cares about wi-fi when you cannot turn your laptop on......
www.mandalorianmercs.com
elwebst
July 18, 2010 at 8:14pm
First off, everyone wishes everything would be free. Get over it. When an airline charges $6 for an in-flight beer, do you think they'll give away internet access? Don't see many airports with free internet, do you?
Now, the service itself. If you're a business traveler and welcome a 2-6 hour break with no phone calls, and no one stopping by your office, so you could finally clear out emails, send emails, get and review presentations, etc. it's a no-brainer. I am disappointed every flight that does not have wi-fi. Everyone I know who travels like I do agrees.
We just need more flights with wifi. My flight Monday morning 7/19 from ORD - LGA - no wifi. If they had it, $13 no problem. Done. Last trip, ORD-LHR-VIE - no wifi. Previous trip, ORD-HNL-KOA, no wifi. Previous trip, ORD-SFO, no wifi. And so on.
It's not designed for the leisure traveler going to Vegas to party with his college buddies. It's just for business travelers. Maybe the readership here skews away from that?
lunchbox73
July 18, 2010 at 7:00pm
I enjoy reading typed words on pieces of paper bound together in order while flying.
Pokedex1010
July 18, 2010 at 11:49am
I'd never pay more than $5-$10 (if it was an emergency situation). It's just not worth it
aviaggio
July 18, 2010 at 11:27am
Yup. Free. Or something trivial, like 99 cents. If you can't be free from the Internet for a few hours during a flight you have issues.
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