Travel: News

Future Tech Trends: Inflight Internet Set to Take Off in '08

This year the iPhone (R), Facebook (R) and YouTube (R) created the loudest buzz in the techno-sphere. In 2008, the hottest new technology development to revolutionize the way we communicate isn't from Silicon Valley or Boston's 128 hub, but from Itasca, Illinois.

Using air-to-ground (cellular) technology, AirCell, a 15-year leader in airborne communications, will pioneer the launch of inflight broadband connectivity on commercial airlines, improving the travel experience for millions of fliers in the new year.
In 2008, the last frontier of broadband access will finally be conquered and air travelers in the U.S. can look forward to surfing the web as they fly through the sky.

AirCell (R) broadband will increase productivity, allowing the busy passenger to recapture time, whether through work, personal correspondence or vacation planning, while in flight. The ability to use the Internet to e-mail, text message and connect to your corporate office (VPN) in the air provides a flying experience never before possible.

In preparation for the 2008 roll-out of inflight broadband services, which is one of the most requested services by passengers,

AirCell has been flying close to the ground:

-- Winning the FCC auction to exclusively use the air-to-ground spectrum license abandoned by defunct Airphone
-- Building the ground network that will supply passengers with inflight broadband connectivity
-- Inking deals with major US airlines like American Airlines and Virgin America

Once aircrafts have been outfitted with AirCell's light-weight antennas, passengers will be able to use their own personal Wi-Fi-enabled laptop, PDA, BlackBerry(R), Smartphone or portable gaming system on board to connect to the AirCell Broadband System. AirCell broadband will offer connection speeds similar to Cable or DSL, meaning passengers won't wait for web pages to load. And it will be affordable; pricing for AirCell's Broadband System will be comparable to pricing for most ground-based Wi-Fi services at hotels and airports.

About AirCell
AirCell LLC is the leader in global airborne telecommunications for the Commercial and Business Aviation markets. The winner of the FCC's exclusive broadband frequency license in 2006, AirCell is pioneering a revolutionary new wireless broadband system for North America. AirCell broadband system will include robust Wi-Fi hotspots that enable airline passengers to surf the Internet, use e-mail and log on to their corporate VPNs using their personal Wi-Fi equipped devices.

The system will also offer airline operational- communications capabilities and provide a path to a wealth of future cabin services. Set for introduction in 2008, the new broadband service will also be available to business aircraft operators, offering a similar set of features. AirCell (www.AirCell.com) has facilities in Louisville, Colorado, and Itasca, Illinois.

AirCell, LLC. AirCell is a registered trademark of AirCell LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Source: AirCell LLC
ITASCA, Ill., Oct. 30, 2007 /PRNewswire/ --