The Federal Communications Commission announced Thursday its plans to create a strong mobile broadband network to boost the web-browsing experience for anyone on a plane, according to Information Week. The plan incorporates the use of satellite spectrum which will allow better communication with the aircrafts. This will improve internet use while in the air.
"Like many Americans, I have been frustrated by the lack of high-speed broadband service when I fly," said FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai. "Some flights don't offer any broadband service at all. Others do, but speeds are usually much slower than what we enjoy on the ground, and it's expensive. So what does this mean? Lower productivity for business travelers and less enjoyable flights for vacationers."
There are a few existing services that offer in-flight internet access. For example, Gogo offers internet access to consumers on airlines such as Delta for anywhere from $7 to $15 per flights. (The pricing depends on the amount of time spent in the air or the amount of flights a consumer is taking on a particular trip.)
United Airlines made its own move to bring Wi-Fi to its customers by installing satellite technology from the Panasonic Avionics Corporation.
Although this new FCC proposal will generate excitement, it will be years before it gets implemented.
The FCC has already begun to take steps on the project. Earlier this week it looked into using the 14.0 GHz to 14.5 GHz band for its new network. This spectrum is already being used by the Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS). Therefore any use of the spectrum would have to avoid interference with the FSS.
The FCC is also looking into how to license the broadband use: one plan would use two 250 MHz blocks, and the other would offer one 500 MHz block. The commission is inquiring within the industry the best way to go forward with the plan. This early process could take up to a year. However, the FCC believes they are making great strides.
"We [took] an important step to improve in-flight broadband service," said out-going FCC Chairman Julis Genachowski. "This service would help meet consumer demand by offering airline passengers access to better in-flight broadband and will increase competitive pressure on current systems to improve the quality of their in-flight services."
