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BY OUR AVIATION CORRESPONDENT
24 July, 2005: US Aircraft manufacturer Boeing Co has unveiled a high-level in-flight Internet service, `Connexion by Boeing’ on a special 737-400 flight. The service helps users send files, check email, chat or surf the web, while flying aboard a 737-400. The in-flight internet service is similar to that used at home or office and would also enable the user connect to a corporate network through a virtual private network (VPN).
A two-way satellite is used to link with a network of ground-based stations and the in-flight internet service is being charged at $30 on most international routes and $20 for trips that last less than six hours. Other payment slabs like $10 for the first 60 minutes of access and 25 cents for every minute thereafter are also available.
Boeing claims to provide Digital Subscriber Line-(DSL) like speeds with maximum throughputs reaching 20 megabits per second. This is one of the best connectivity for internet, considering the plane is cruising at 830 km/h and above 33,000 feet from the sea level.
The in-flight internet and wi-fi service is said to require users to set up a profile for the access point in their computer's wireless configuration client before signing in through the Connexion website.
The service is available on about 70 planes operated by ANA, China Airlines, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, SAS and, Singapore Airlines. Taiwanese carrier China Airlines also signed in for the service.
Last month, United Airlines announced it would offer Wi-Fi equipment on flight. United and Verizon Airfone were the first companies to receive approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to install the cabin equipment needed to offer Internet access during flights.
BY OUR AVIATION CORRESPONDENT
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