AT&T's Improved In-Flight Internet Service: A Boon For Retail
By Megan Zielinski, contributing writer
AT&T recently announced its plan to deliver high-speed 4G LTE-based Internet connections for airlines and passengers by late 2015, providing a better in-flight Internet experience.
The leading company in Mobile Internet will be working with Honeywell, aerospace industry leader, together building an air-to-ground American-based network with hardware and service capabilities provided by Honeywell and AT&T’s knowledge, spectrum and financial assets—an advancement of current aviation Wi-Fi, which operates at slow speeds at a costly price. Honeywell will incorporate the company’s Inmarsat GX Ka-band satellite constellation, allowing for complete connection to passengers and airlines overseas. “The constellation will deliver the world’s first truly global, high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi, offering passengers, airlines and original equipment manufacturers consistent connectivity for commercial, military and business aircraft over land and sea,” the Aerospace company stated regarding its use in 2015 with AT&T technologies.
Only 6 percent of passengers utilize provided in-flight Wi-Fi, according to Gogo, currently the largest provider of in-flight Internet. Almost 90 percent of passengers would sacrifice comfort, food, and seating preference for better connectivity. AT&T and Honeywell are determined to deliver what passengers expect — consistency and speed of Internet experienced at home or in the office.
With the majority of the population carrying smartphones, laptops and tablets, AT&T is determined to allow for these devices to be activated conveniently for customers to make better use of free time in the sky. The new network will allow for passengers to use their devises to browse Internet, update, and connect with friends through social networking and messaging, check email, and work on business and school projects. AT&T’s efforts not only will please passengers — as a survey revealed that higher percentages of passengers use Wi-Fi for personal reasons rather than professional during long flights, customers are more likely to take advantage of open time to explore sites and shop through e-commerce, generating a growing movement in sales for many retailers.
Improved connectivity and broadband will benefit airline services as well, improving communication lines, such as cockpit communications, crew services and airline operations. “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,” says John Stankey, Chief Strategy Officer at AT&T.