I admit it. I’m addicted to the Internet. I can’t live without my tether to the Internet, whether it be through a computer, a laptop, or my trusty smartphone. (I know some may ask whether this tether is actually a constricting harness, but that’s a topic for another time.)
Since I fly (via a plane, thank you!) fairly often — both for business and for pleasure — that means my safety tether is severed on a regular basis. And as frequent fliers well know, if there’s a time when we really need to browse the Internet, it’s when we’re stuck on a plane for hours!
Good news for folks like me. American Airlines just announced that it will be testing in-flight high-speed Internet service via wifi for laptops and specially-equipped PDAs (like the iPhone) on a few select transcontinental flights starting next year. If successful, American Airlines will expand this service throughout its fleet of airplanes.
I daresay that American Airlines will just be the first to work toward this goal. Other airlines will surely jump in, and perhaps try to beat American to this goal. Why, I dump hotels if they don’t have high-speed Internet connection (for free!); I can see myself doing the same for airlines as well. So will many other people. And airlines know that.
How will American Airlines provide wifi service 30,000 feet high? By contracting with a company that will provide a line of cellular towers (on the ground!) along the flight path of these airplanes, and installing special antennas on airplanes. Hmmm. No miles-long cables trailing behind these airplanes, I suppose …
I can’t wait! In the meanwhile, it looks like I’ll have to settle for the luxury DC to NYC bus service that was begun last week by DC2NY — it even comes with free high-speed Internet service via wifi (although coverage can be spotty, I understand). Ooo, sends shivers up my spine!
Yes, I am one sad addicted guy. I gleefully admit it.
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11 Comments
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Hahaha, poor you! :)
I, for one, am fortunate in being a voracious reader of non-electronic words via books *laugh madly*. Therefore I always bring a book with me. I will especially need that when I fly from Oregon to Washington D.C. on Jan 16, leaving OR in morning and arriving at Washington D.C. in late afternoon *gasp*. Possibly will need two books, hahahaha! Good luck with those airlines!
I imagine maybe the airplanes would use satellite internet to get access instead of land cell towers?
There was a service that ran from Europe / Far East (I think) that had wifi etc, which was later withdrawn, because not enough people used it! Might have something to do with the steep connection charges in place.
Agree re the need for wifi on a plane, for me it would break up long Trans Atlantic flights.
“Why, I dump hotels if they don’t have high-speed Internet connection (for free!)”
No kidding! I’d do the same! The only exception is if I’m roughing it in hostels and there are plenty late night cafes nearby :)
Josh-
You truly amase me! The knowledge you share is always valuable and plentiful. We (the Deaf community) are so lucky to have you.
Thanks for telling me something I would have otherwise not known especially since I travel often between D.C. and NY.
Olivia - (blush blush) Thanks!
Oscar - I read too, but I read novels on my PDA via ereader.com … Unfortunately, that means I cannot operate my PDA during take-off and landing, since all electronic devices have to be turned off. Ugh!
You know, a lot of PDAs & various electronic devices now have “airplane mode.” It’s just basically turning off all radio signals that it can make.
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Bring something to read on paper. Its a refreshing change of reading “scenery”. Trying not to be crude but I read print materials in the bathroom and bedroom.
Up next is Chinatown Bus Service with hi-speed internet service? That would be one funny sight to see.
R-
Ridor — the Chinatown bus service with hi-speed Internet service is already up and running! I’m soo curious how smooth the connection is during the entire trip. If anybody uses it, please let us know what you think!