In-flight WiFi isn’t exactly a feature available on every flight at the moment, and with the prices being what they are, which is expensive, we can understand why more people aren’t using it, which in turn means that there aren’t that many companies eager to get into the market. That being said it seems that AT&T will be one of those companies looking to enter the market and go Gogo a run for their money.
The company has recently announced their plans to start offering in-flight WiFi services that will be based on the company’s current LTE network. This program is expected to kick off late 2015 which will see AT&T implement a new air-to-ground communications system between the plane and their network, thus providing users with the ability to get online while on a plane in case they want to check their emails, surf the web, and so on.
Naturally this does not cover international flights since AT&T is based in the US after all, but for those who fly domestically often, perhaps this is a service worth checking out when it launches. The carrier will also be working with Honeywell to help provide the hardware and service needed in order to get this program off the ground. However it is unclear as to which airline company AT&T will be working with so we guess we’ll have to wait until a later date to find out.
According to AT&T’s Chief Strategy Officer, John Stankey, “Everyone wants access to high-speed, reliable mobile Internet wherever they are, including at 35,000 feet. We are building on AT&T’s significant strengths to develop in-flight connectivity technology unlike any other that exists today, based on 4G LTE standards. We believe this will enable airlines and passengers to benefit from reliable high speeds and a better experience. We expect this service to transform connectivity in the aviation industry – we are truly mobilizing the sky.”