A Flightglobal.com article reports how carriers are upgrading their IFE systems in an attempt to distinguish themselves from their competition and to boost ancillary revenues. Carriers are pushing to entertain and connect passengers by offering in-flight broadband and/or in-flight live direct broadcast video. Recent research from MultiMedia Intelligence suggests the market for in-flight broadband services is poised to grow to $936 million in passenger revenue in 2012, up from initial revenue of $6.6 million this year. Similarly, the market for in-flight live direct broadcast video is projected to grow from $87 million in 2007 to $913 million in 2012.
Tag Archive for 'Broadband'
Inflight Online news reports on progress being made by two big names in passenger broadband. Aircell which is rolling out the Gogo in-flight WiFi services has secured additional funding that will be used to keep the company afloat during the roll-out of their service. Panasonic has announced VT iDirect as the source of the satellite IP router technology that will be used for their Ku-band satellite broadband service, eXConnect, expected to launch in the first half of next year.
Gogo is the internet, on a plane. Gogo (powered by Aircell) enables email access, web browsing, and VPN access at mobile broadband speeds, using a devices built-in Wi-Fi capability. Gogo is launching in 2008 on select flights on American Airlines and Virgin America. The Gogo site includes a map of premium routes that will be offering the Gogo in-flight service. Pricing is not mentioned. You can also sign-up to a mailing list to be kept advised as Gogo adds routes and airlines.
The big question is how much are you willing to pay to be connected while in-flight?
