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Gogo and AeroSat get friendly on Ku-band, bring international in-flight WiFi closer

Jon Fingas — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:34:00 EST

Gogo has a virtual lock on in-flight WiFi for the US, but most of us forget that everything goes dark the moment you decide to cross the border. The company already has a deal with Inmarsat for Ka-band Internet connections, and now it's partnering up with AeroSat to bring Ku-band satellite access. The tie-in will let Gogo offer precious relief from tedium on international flights, whether it's a modest hop to the Great White North or an hours-long trip across the ocean. Gogo considers the deal an interim step until Inmarsat's technology is ready, making for much quicker availability than if it had just waited until it could use Ka-band: Ku-band satellite linkups should be on airliners as soon as the end of 2012, while Ka-band won't even show its face until at least late 2014. It's unknown what kind of premium we'll pay over the $13 maximum Gogo normally charges, but if AeroSat lets us squeak in a few more Twitter updates on our way home from Barcelona, it'll be worthwhile.

Continue reading Gogo and AeroSat get friendly on Ku-band, bring international in-flight WiFi closer

Gogo and AeroSat get friendly on Ku-band, bring international in-flight WiFi closer originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 May 2012 16:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gogo grabs 1MHz spectrum from JetBlue subsidiary LiveTV, beefs up in-flight bandwidth

Michael Gorman — Mon, 07 May 2012 18:52:00 EST

In-flight internet provider Gogo's been increasing its domestic presence of late, so it makes sense for the company to snag some additional spectrum as well. Its new wireless license is for a chunk of 1 MHz spectrum that Gogo got from Live TV, the subsidiary of JetBlue that handles all of that airline's in-air entertainment and communications services. Gogo's new spectrum will augment its existing Air-to-Ground network here in the US -- pending FCC approval, of course -- and provide road (sky?) warriors with a bit more bandwidth once above 10,000 feet. For all you jet-setters, we should mention that your Gulfstream's Airfone bill will be going to Gogo from now on, as LiveTV tossed the venerable voice service in the deal, too.

Continue reading Gogo grabs 1MHz spectrum from JetBlue subsidiary LiveTV, beefs up in-flight bandwidth

Gogo grabs 1MHz spectrum from JetBlue subsidiary LiveTV, beefs up in-flight bandwidth originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 May 2012 18:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Boingo, Deutsche Telekom team up for international in-flight WiFi

Jon Fingas — Tue, 01 May 2012 22:55:00 EST

Boingo is best known for providing WiFi on the ground, but it's now working with Germany's Deutsche Telekom to spread its paid internet access to international flights, not just flights in the US. Lufthansa trips both inside Germany as well as to Canada and the US will soon let you pay with your Boingo account to stay online while you're in the air, using DT's broadband internet access as the conduit. More airlines will be coming soon, although those of us who get itchy staying offline for more than a few hours will have to pay an unspecified premium for that connection when it's ready. Check the PR after the break for the official word.

[Image credit: Jon Fingas, Flickr]

Continue reading Boingo, Deutsche Telekom team up for international in-flight WiFi

Boingo, Deutsche Telekom team up for international in-flight WiFi originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 22:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gogo WiFi lands in more US Airways Airbuses and Embraers, intros Gogo Vision

Edgar Alvarez — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:02:00 EST

Gogo isn't just tossing its mid-air wireless goodies toward Virgin and American, with US Airways being the latest to join the extra perks party. Per today's announcement, the airline is stuffing Gogo WiFi in a few more planes, including the Airbus A319 and A320. Other shorter (and much smaller) aircraft, the Embraer 170, 175 and 190, are also getting the in-flight WiFi treatment. Meanwhile, a quick peek at the PR below reveals Gogo is quietly launching its Vision service, allowing passengers to watch movies, shows and have access to "exclusive" shopping deals -- though, you'll have to shell out $1 to $6 more for the privilege. Maybe now you'll actually want to seek out Express flights rather than avoid them, since you'll have far fewer passengers to fight for bandwidth.

Continue reading Gogo WiFi lands in more US Airways Airbuses and Embraers, intros Gogo Vision

Gogo WiFi lands in more US Airways Airbuses and Embraers, intros Gogo Vision originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Qantas trials in-flight WiFi between Australia and US

Mat Smith — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 07:48:00 EST

While plenty of US domestic flights have their WiFi provisions sorted, international connectivity remains pretty rare. Attempting to bring another time-killing option alongside all those middling in-flight Marvel movies, Qantas has started testing wireless internet on its 14-hour flights between Los Angeles and Australia. The trial will run for eight weeks across six of Qantas' A380 super-jumbos. Access during the trial will be free, however it'll be limited to first and business class passengers, with data allowance currently capped at a weedy 100MB for laptops and 32MB for mobile devices. Well, at least you're not walled inside an online store.

Qantas trials in-flight WiFi between Australia and US originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 07:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gogo goes global: partnership with Inmarsat to give you the internet on international flights

Michael Gorman — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:24:00 EST

Ahh, Gogo, what a fantastic addition you've been to domestic airline travel. Besides keeping rowdy kids entertained with internet access, it affords well-traveled tech bloggers the ability to do what we do at 30,000 feet. And now, Gogo's wondrous WiFi will do the same for international passengers thanks to Inmarsat's Global Xpress satellite internet service. The partnership adds speedy Ka-band satellite technology to Gogo's existing air-to-ground service starting in 2013. After launching the Inmarsat-5 satellite in midyear, up to 50Mb/s speeds will be at your flying fingertips in some (currently undefined) regions, with worldwide coverage coming in 2014. Full details of your inflight future await in the PR after the break.

Continue reading Gogo goes global: partnership with Inmarsat to give you the internet on international flights

Gogo goes global: partnership with Inmarsat to give you the internet on international flights originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Row 44 gets major studio support for in-flight VOD platform, can't match Gogo's reach

Daniel Cooper — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:47:00 EST

Southwest Airlines passengers now have something better to do on their cross-country jaunts than grip the armrests and pray that the kid behind 'em stops kicking the seat. Row 44 has partnered with Disney, Warner Brothers, Universal and Fox to create an on-demand streaming service for folks who bring their WiFi-enabled devices onboard. You'll get a variety of archive content to watch as you cruise the friendly skies, including shows like Friends, Glee and The Office as well as big-ticket movies like Harry Potter, Avatar and Inception. The service also offers streaming IPTV, with CNBC, Fox News and NBC Sports on tap initially. Row 44's market share is paltry compared to Gogo -- which has the business of every WiFi-lovin' airline in America outside of Southwest -- but it's certainly interesting news in light of the latter's own video endeavors. Mum's the word on pricing, but we're told that the new material can be accessed "later this year."

Continue reading Row 44 gets major studio support for in-flight VOD platform, can't match Gogo's reach

Row 44 gets major studio support for in-flight VOD platform, can't match Gogo's reach originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Delta intros WiFi-enabled regional jets, Christina Ricci absent from flight launch

Joseph Volpe — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 19:16:00 EST

You've probably flown the friendly skies surfing along intermittent WiFi, but a hopper flight with the same amenities? Not until now. Delta's continuing its commitment to in-flight WiFi by rolling the service out to its regional jets. Hailing it as a first for its "two-class regional fleet," the airline plans to add 250 Delta Connection jets to the 560 plus roster of currently internet-enabled planes. The carrier's inaugural service flight took off from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and treated passengers to free WiFi courtesy of a complimentary 30-day Gogo pass. Now, instead of catching up with those long lost Zzzs and arm wrestling with your aisle frenemy, you can keep up with the Kardashians or relive the Pan Am nostalgia on your cruise through the clouds. Jump past the break to read the company's celebratory spiel for yourself.

Continue reading Delta intros WiFi-enabled regional jets, Christina Ricci absent from flight launch

Delta intros WiFi-enabled regional jets, Christina Ricci absent from flight launch originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 19:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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American Airlines rolls out in-flight Entertainment On Demand, lets you continue watching after you land

Joe Pollicino — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 21:38:00 EST

American Airlines gives its Boeing 767-200 fleet all the love -- first it sends some 10.1-inch Galaxy Tabs through the gate, and now in-flight streaming videos get the all-clear to board. If you'll recall, AA's been testing Aircell (Gogo) in-flight video streaming, and now the service has gone live on 15 of the transcontinental wide-bodies flying New York to San Francisco or Los Angeles. You won't need to purchase in-flight WiFi to access Entertainment On Demand, but it currently only works on "select laptops," with rentals for television shows priced at $0.99 and movies at $3.99. You'll also be able to access your purchased TV and movie content on your device for 72 or 24 hours, respectively, if your flight soars into its destination ahead of time -- pickins' are quite slim, though, with only around 100 vids to choose from presently. The airline plans to add the service to all of its WiFi-enabled aircraft -- while also expanding device support -- beginning later this year. Fly on for a demo video and press release, parked just past the break.

Continue reading American Airlines rolls out in-flight Entertainment On Demand, lets you continue watching after you land

American Airlines rolls out in-flight Entertainment On Demand, lets you continue watching after you land originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 21:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Americans rule in-flight internet adoption -- for now

Christopher Trout — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:17:00 EST

It doesn't get more American than gnawing on a doughnut sandwich while watching Toddlers in Tiaras, right? Well, apparently, the only thing more American is engaging in these two acts while connected to in-flight internet. In a recent BBC article, Gogo's Jon Cobin said at least 1,200 commercial aircraft flying over these here amber waves of grain offer up WiFi, while there are only 100 [commercial] flying machines serving on-board connectivity in the rest of the world. Delta's just announced full, fleet-wide WiFi connections on domestic flights, while most other major US carriers offer internet access on all or some of their planes. As the BBC points out, that could have something to do with the slow roll out of satellite-based systems -- many American airlines depend on Gogo's land-based services. Unfortunately for you die-hard patriots, however, acceptance of satellite broadband seems poised to take flight in the near future. At least we'll always have Eden Wood.

Americans rule in-flight internet adoption -- for now originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab spreads wings, flies to premium seats on American Airlines

Joe Pollicino — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:42:00 EST

Move on over, Delta. The 200 iPads at your JFK terminal may entertain some folks waiting to board, but before the year's out American Airlines will start switching out 6,000 in-flight entertainment systems with Samsung 10.1-inch Galaxy Tabs. Sammy will be customizing the Honeycomb slates with flight related "features" including AA's streaming service mentioned last month, and possibly even adding "expanded memory" for the devices -- no word on how, though. Panasonic's console has some competition it seems. It's notable that these will only be available in "premium cabins" on a handful of long-distance routes, and unless you're flying in a 767-200, WiFi access -- a separate purchase, by the way -- may not be available. We've embedded some PR with the details for all you jet-setting tablet enthusiasts after the break.

Continue reading Samsung Galaxy Tab spreads wings, flies to premium seats on American Airlines

Samsung Galaxy Tab spreads wings, flies to premium seats on American Airlines originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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American Airlines testing in-flight media streaming, staying curiously mum about content selection

Dana Wollman — Wed, 04 May 2011 13:50:00 EST

American Airlines would like ~~you to pay for movies and shows you're used to getting for free~~ to give you a new way to keep yourselves entertained at 30,000 feet. The airline is testing Aircell's forthcoming service that will let you stream flicks and TV programs to your own WiFi-enabled device. Aircell, the company behind Gogo in-flight WiFi, is curating the library of content, and for now, it's unclear just how extensive the selection will be (last time we checked, the company was staying mum about content partners). And we definitely wonder how smooth the streaming will be on a crowded flight full of web surfers... you know, considering that Gogo already compresses JPEGs on everyday websites. And really, it had better be -- otherwise, you're better off with the complimentary shows and movies bundled into that built-in entertainment center right in front of you. All questions that will get answered when the service launches this fall.

Continue reading American Airlines testing in-flight media streaming, staying curiously mum about content selection

American Airlines testing in-flight media streaming, staying curiously mum about content selection originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 May 2011 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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JetBlue to bring Ka-band high-speed internet to the friendly skies by 2012

Christopher Trout — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 19:49:00 EST

Despite Boeing's early efforts to make satellite service the go-to option for in-flight internet, the rather costly connection solution never really took off. It seems, satellite connectivity is about to experience something of a resurgence -- just last month Gogo announced its plans to blanket the globe with Ka-band coverage by 2015, and now JetBlue's announcing that it will be the first to deliver an on-board Ka-band network. In an agreement with ViaSat, the airline intends to bring the service to its more than 170 aircraft, beginning installation in 2012. The new broadband option will reportedly offer higher transmission speeds and more bandwidth per passenger for less money than other in-flight internet alternatives. With Lufthansa's new FlyNet service also sporting satellite-enabled WiFi, it would seem things are looking up for the future of the once doomed broadband solution.

Continue reading JetBlue to bring Ka-band high-speed internet to the friendly skies by 2012

JetBlue to bring Ka-band high-speed internet to the friendly skies by 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 19:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aircell releases GoGo tech roadmap: EV-DO Rev B in 2012, global satellite coverage by 2015

Michael Gorman — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:39:00 EST

Aircell started putting its air-to-ground (ATG) mobile broadband technology in planes about three years ago, and its GoGo in-flight internet's reach has grown ever since -- all the way up to the home of mavericks and mama bears. Presently, the company's ambit is limited to the continental US, but that's about to change with the addition of Ka-band satellite coverage that will blanket the US in 2013 and the globe by 2015. Yes, dear readers, that means you'll be able to poke, tweet, and blog your way over international waters. Not only that, next year a new ATG-4 network using EV-DO Rev B promises four times the capacity of its trusty Rev A service we've come to know and love. The company says both upgrades are cheap and easy for carriers -- if only they were rapid as well. PR's after the break.

Continue reading Aircell releases GoGo tech roadmap: EV-DO Rev B in 2012, global satellite coverage by 2015

Aircell releases GoGo tech roadmap: EV-DO Rev B in 2012, global satellite coverage by 2015 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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US Airways finally secures Gogo in-flight WiFi, adding to all A321's by June

Darren Murph — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:17:00 EST

We heard last summer that 2010 would be the year for US Airways to gain in-flight internet, and sure enough, America's worst legacy airline has made good on said promise. As of now, a grand total of five Airbus A321 planes are equipped with Gogo, and if you're lucky enough to end up on one, you'll get a single free session through June 1st provided that you're a first-time Gogo user. Speaking of early June, that's when all 51 of the outfit's A321's will be lit with WiFi, and better still, you'll be able to see right away if your flight will be wired (or unwired, as it were) at the time of booking. There's no mention of expansion plans beyond that, and we still haven't received an apology for refusing us a gratis glass of water on a 6.5 hour flight in August of 2008. No, we're not bitter. At all.

US Airways finally secures Gogo in-flight WiFi, adding to all A321's by June originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aircell tempts HTC HD2 owners with six months free in-flight WiFi

Sean Hollister — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 06:22:00 EST

Now that Aircell has finished roping every major US airline into ~~its plan for world domination~~ providing inexpensive WiFi on most every flight, the company's dealmakers have had to fall back on, shall we say, less integral partnerships to advance their strategy. First up? If you're the owner of a shiny new HTC HD2 on T-Mobile, you get six months of Gogo in-flight WiFi, free of charge. Simply register with the company anytime before June 2011 and it's clear skies for your connection. You can consider the expiration date a bonus alarm clock -- by that time, you'll be ready for a phone with enough buttons for Windows Phone 7 Series.

Aircell tempts HTC HD2 owners with six months free in-flight WiFi originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 06:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Continental to launch in-flight WiFi in 2010

Nilay Patel — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST

Looks like Continental is the latest to inch closer to our dream of WiFi on every flight: the airline just announced that it'll be rolling out Gogo in-flight internet service on 21 Boeing 757-300s in its fleet starting in Q2 2010. The service will cost $4.95 and up based on flight length, and the 757s in question mostly serve domestic routes -- we're hoping Continental takes a cue from American and US Airways and lets passengers check to see if their plane is WiFi-enabled.

Continental to launch in-flight WiFi in 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Virgin America and Google gift flyers with free WiFi for the holidays

Darren Murph — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:21:00 EST

While those legacy airlines are scheming to charge you more to fly over the holidays, Virgin America is making it even easier to choose its services over the rest. Announced today, the airline (which should expand to more cities on the double, just so we're clear) has teamed up with Google in order to bring gratis WiFi to all flyers throughout the holiday season. If you'll recall, VA recently made known that every single one of its aircraft was equipped with in-flight internet courtesy of Aircell, and between November 10th, 2009 and January 15th, 2010, your surfing will be on the house should your find yourself in a seat. Not a bad way to spread a little holiday cheer, huh?

[Via Engadget Spanish]

Filed under: Wireless

Virgin America and Google gift flyers with free WiFi for the holidays originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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US Airways launching Gogo in-flight internet next year, to show WiFi logo when booking

Darren Murph — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:32:00 EST

Our wildest, most frenzied dreams are coming true, airline by airline. As Aircell steps in to infiltrate yet another legacy carrier here in America, US Airways has finally caved to the pressures of being an airline in 2009 by announcing its intentions to get Gogo on a select few of its planes. Starting in early 2010, Gogo in-flight internet will be added to its fleet of 50 A321 aircraft, and while that's certainly not a jaw-dropping amount, it's better than zilch. Of note, US Airways also has plans to let consumers see if their proposed flight will have WiFi when booking online, and while we can't help but celebrate such an achievement, we're also mighty fearful that this will lead to yet another fee for the privilege of riding on a WiFi-equipped plane. You know -- considering that this airline once refused water to passengers on a 6.5 hour flight last August.

[Via Gadling]

Filed under: Transportation, Wireless

US Airways launching Gogo in-flight internet next year, to show WiFi logo when booking originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alaska Airlines offering in-flight WiFi -- but not in Alaska

Tim Stevens — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:11:00 EST

It's a sad, sad state of affairs. After nearly four years worth of announcements you're still more likely to get a good night's rest on a flight than find wireless internet, leaving us to wonder whether any airline will survive long enough to roll-out the system-wide access they've almost all pledged. Another player is now crawling tardily into the ring, Alaska Airlines fulfilling its promise and partnering with Row 44 to offer satellite-based internets on a very limited basis. You should know the drill by now: access is only offered on very select routes, or route in this case, debuting on 737-300 flights running between Seattle (SEA) and San Jose (SJC). At least the service will be free for the first 90 60 days, but the airline isn't saying how much it will cost after that. We'd guess somewhere between not free and way too much, leaning toward the latter.

Update: Correction, it's only 60 days not 90, and we're told by Glenn over at High-Fi News that it's not just a single route it's actually a single plane, and while it will be starting out on the SEA/SJC route, it will be making appearances elsewhere -- maybe even in the land of the midnight sun!

[Via Electronista]

Filed under: Transportation, Wireless

Alaska Airlines offering in-flight WiFi -- but not in Alaska originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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American Airlines goes live with in-flight WiFi service

Darren Murph — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:52:00 EST

At long last, "you are now free to surf the intarwebz while flying." Okay, so maybe it has been possible in the past, but American Airlines is taking a huge leap forward in the US market today by giving passengers aboard long-haul Boeing 767-200 flights the option to hop online during the trip. The GoGo service, which is being provided by Aircell, will charge customers $12.95 for access to the world wide web, though Reuters points out that VoIP calling is "not available." Delta, US Airways, et al. -- time to get with the program.

[Via Dallas News, thanks Travis]

Filed under: Transportation, Wireless

American Airlines goes live with in-flight WiFi service originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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American Airlines rolling out in-flight WiFi to 15 more jets

Nilay Patel — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:24:00 EST

American Airlines ran a "dress rehearsal" of its AirCell-powered in-fight WiFi service last month, and it looks like it was a success -- the airline is set to expand the trial to some 15 jets over the coming weeks, with tests expected to last six months. The tests are apparently more to evaluate the speed and reliability of the wireless connection, rather than to study the impact on the plane's avionics, so it looks like this is finally happening -- we'd recommend against wearing your WiFi-detector shirts through security, however.

[Via Wired]

Filed under: Wireless

American Airlines rolling out in-flight WiFi to 15 more jets originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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