Verizon to Launch In-Flight Wireless Broadband Services

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Verizon to Launch In-Flight Wireless Broadband Services

5:30 am on December 14, 2005 | Category: Web Services, Wireless Technology

Verizon Communications subsidiary, Verizon Airfone has just announced significant progress in its quest to provide wireless broadband data services to US airline passengers.

The recent progress is largely due to the FCC establishing clear regulations for auctioning in the 800 MHz wireless band. 800 MHz is a much lower frequency than is used for normal Wi-Fi communications, and has been dedicated to commercial air-to-ground wireless communication.

An auction in the early part of next year could potentially allow Verizon to begin offering in-flight Wi-Fi internet access as early as 2007.

In order to accomplish this, Verizon has already been working alongside CDMA network infrastructure designer, Airvana, to build customized radio base stations.

When the in-flight internet services are launched, passengers will be able to gain access to the internet, email, streaming video, VoIP, and corporate virtual private networks. Once all base stations are in place, airlines will simply need to purchase a single wireless avionics box to begin providing their passengers with wireless broadband service.

On a related note, Verizon Airfone is also planning to upgrade and improve its existing wireless phone network, which is available across North America, and offers in-flight phone service to United Airlines, Continental Airlines, US Airways, Delta Air Lines passengers.