Looks like those who thought they would be able to make Skype calls, send instant messages or e-mail from high above the mid-Atlantic will have to wait.
Upon completion of a detailed business and market analysis of their in-flight Internet service — Connexion — Boeing announced that they have decided to exit the high-speed broadband communications connectivity markets.
Boeing reportedly spent about $1.5 billion over six years to provide in-flight Internet service to passengers.
According to an article in the Chicago Tribune, Boeing's service cost passengers $29.95 per flight for unlimited Web access and live television through their laptop computers. The charge had been reduced to $26.95. Foreign airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Deutsche Lufthansa and El Al Israel Airlines, installed Connexion on some aircraft. It also was used by maritime and corporate aircraft customers.
Peter Pollack, blogging on ARS Technica, believes there still may be hope:
“That's not to say that the concept of surfing the 'Net from an airplane is dead. Far from it: Boeing's own new 787 design will almost certainly be delivered prewired for WiFi and Internet. American Airlines — the largest US carrier — once invested in Connexion, but has been seeking other vendors lately. Finally, rumors are still floating that the skeleton of Connexion itself may be picked up and turned into something profitable by another company.
Waiting in the wings for just such an opportunity, ASI Entertainment’s wholly owned subsidiary, ASiQ Pty Ltd, announced today that the recent decision by Boeing to close down the Connexion by Boeing Internet Service, creates more opportunities for ASiQ's low-cost alternative.
Ron Chapman, ASiQ's President, stated, "Connexion were too far ahead of their time. There is no comparison with the technology available today to what they launched with back in 2000.”
The new ASiQ package comprises an Inmarsat broadband link, with WIFI access and is compatible with the aircraft's existing onboard network. ASiQ is offering airlines a new Internet platform over a five years lease from as little as $15 per flight. For narrow body aircraft the lease could be as low $5.00 per flight. This, combined with ASiQ's low access fees and Freemailconnection, will make the system even more attractive to airlines.
To keep up-to-date with the latest advances in VoIP, WiFi, and what it means to the Transportation sector, register to attend the Internet Telephony Conference in San Diego this October 10–13 and attend the VoIP in Verticals session on Transportation.
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Does anybody know how this alternative is working? I read somewhere else that there are systems based on mobile telephone networks.
I think it will be a good day when airlines come as stnadard with WiFi