Verizon Airfone and United Airlines became the first to get Feder...
Verizon Airfone and United Airlines became the first to get Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorization to install Wi-Fi devices on domestic commercial aircraft, the companies said Mon. But the service won’t be available until after the FCC’s scheduled air-to-ground…
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spectrum auction, in which service rights and spectrum will be awarded to one or more providers. That auction isn’t likely until early 2006. “Once a service provider is selected by the FCC, United is positioned to act quickly to bring this service to customers,” United said. The approval was granted after Verizon Airfone and United showed that use of 802.11 b/g wireless technology in the cabin doesn’t affect aircraft operations. The approval applies only to the United B757-200 aircraft used to test the technology. “Our wireless broadband system will require only the addition of an avionics box, a wireless access point and a directional antenna, making it the faster and more affordable choice for United and its passengers,” said Verizon Airfone Pres. Bill Pallone.