Boeing has announced that it has gained the necessary approval from the FCC which grants the company a license to provide high-speed Internet service to airline passengers.
Boeing said the FCC approval clears the way for its planned in-flight Internet service, called Connexion by Boeing, which will enable airlines and other commercial jet operators to offer real-time, high-speed Internet and intranet access, television and e-mail above U.S. territory and waters.
Connexion, which will roll out in late 2002 or early 2003 in Europe will be lead by Deutsche Lufthansa. US investment (mainly by American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines) in the systems was canceled, with the airlines citing concerns in the wake of the Sept. 11 hijack attacks on New York and the Pentagon.
The company said tests it conducted showed the Connexion service can operate without causing interference to other spectrum users.
"This license signals a new era for in-flight connectivity and further strengthens our efforts in the mobile economy," said Connexion president Scott Carson. "For the first time in history, air travelers will be able to experience real time, in-flight connectivity comparable to the speeds and quality of service they expect on the ground."
News source: Reuters
View: Boeing tests Connexion Flying Lab in December 2001 (additional information included about systems)
