FCC approves cheaper WiFi technology on planes

[Alexander Turcic]

This is bad news for Boeing's exclusive "Connexion" technology, which uses satellites to get air passengers online. Associated Press reports that the Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday approved technology giving airlines what could be a cheaper option to provide Internet connections.

Unlike Connexion, which costs roughly USD $500,000 per jet to install the needed equipment, airlines can now offer high-speed Internet connections for 1/5th of the costs through the frequencies used by seatback phones.

The article also mentioned the possible end of the ban on in-flight use of cell phones. Unfortunately, results of an independent study aren't due until 2006.

Update: Here is a link to the official FCC statement on broadband services while in-flight.

[Article first seen at PDA247]