FCC Streamlines Internet Availability on Aircraft

By Wolfgang Gruener
published

Wi-Fi Internet access on airplanes could become more ubiquitous as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted rules to "promote deployment of Internet services onboard aircraft".

According to the FCC, airlines have been able to deploy Internet access on their planes since 2001. However, Internet access systems so far have to be licensed on an ad-hoc basis, while the FCC rules will allow the companies to test their systems against published FCC standards in order to received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

As a result, airlines are promised to cut the application and approval time for an aircraft-based Internet access system roughly in half. "The Commission’s action enables broadband providers to meet increasing consumer demands and promotes the economic growth and job-creating impacts of ubiquitous broadband," the FCC said in a statement. "This action also continues the FCC’s efforts to update and streamline regulatory requirements across the agency."

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Wolfgang Gruener
4 Comments Comment from the forums
  • A Bad Day
    "Only for $10, and no guarantee of fast WiFi connection! Oh, and there are no power outlets except in the bathrooms so you can only use the WiFi as long as your device's battery last, which may be a slight issue for our 14 hour flight..."
    Reply
  • A Bad Day
    EDIT: Or you can watch our free movies or episodes on the 320p 10-inch CRT TVs attached to the ceilings. No headphones are provided though, so you should've brought your own.
    Reply
  • abbadon_34
    Nothing new here, just FCC helping airlines gouge more money out your pocket
    Reply
  • g00fysmiley
    with how much you have to pay for the seat in the first pace in the US compared to otehr countries wifi should be included... but it isn't... yay capitalism stopped flying years ago thanks to gouging prices and tsa so no skin off my teeth but would be nice if we had some competition liek viable high speed rail or legislation to stop price fixing like they do now .. but no i guess wifi onboard needs streamlioning first...
    Reply