NEWS: American to Test In-Flight Internet

American to Test In-Flight Internet August 1, 2007 3:15:53 PM ET American Airlines has announced plans to be the first U.S. carrier to offer in-flight high speed internet connectivity. With their partner AirCell LLC, the carrier will begin testing the service in 2008 on American's 767-200 aircraft, which fly mostly coast-to-coast flights within the United States. “We understand that broadband connectivity is important to our business customers and others who want to use their PDAs and laptops for real-time, inflight broadband communications,” said Dan Garton, American’s Executive Vice President – Marketing. “This is part of our continuing effort to enhance the travel experience for our customers and meet their evolving needs.” The solution will provide passengers with a high-speed Internet connection, VPN access and e-mail capabilities through Wi-Fi-enabled laptops and PDA devices. The system has the ability to adapt as technology evolves. The technology will be available in all classes on the 767-200 aircraft, for an as-yet-undisclosed fee. American said that if the test is successful, it will extend the service to the rest of the airline's fleet. The technology from AirCell is subject to strict requirements set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration through an exclusive license from the Federal Communications Commission. Both agencies oversee the use of broadband and wireless signals by aircraft flying over the continental United States. The technology will use three antennas installed on the outside of the aircraft (two on the bottom of the aircraft and one on top.) AirCell will provide cellular towers throughout the continental United States to transmit the signal. The signals received inside the cabin will be 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi signals. CLICK HERE for the story on www.cheapair.com.