Alaska Airlines tries WiFi service

Alaska Airlines launched a trial of in-flight WiFi service last week on some of its Boeing 737-700 planes. The system makes use of Row 44's satellite technology to power the on-board WiFi connectivity for various WiFi enabled devices such as laptops and smartphones. 

The system provides downlink data rates averaging 30Mbps and a maximum uplink rate of 620Kbps. Other than as a value-added service for onboard passengers, the satellite-based technology also gives the airlines a broadband link for transmitting operational data. At the moment, the system has not received final FCC approval. A number of group and in-flight tests are being conducted to ensure that the system will not interfere with the various navigation systems on the aircraft.

For more on this story:
- check out this article at eWeek

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