New research claims 38 per cent of domestic flights in the US allow passengers to access Wi-Fi networks while up in the air, reports nytimes.com.
The study also pointed out that the flights which are Wi-Fi-enabled tend to be longer routes, so this proportion actually accounts for around half of the flight time. Among the providers in the market of providing internet access in the skies are Panasonic Avionics, Row 44, ViaSat and OnAir, but the lion’s share of the sector belongs to Gogo.
It is not just domestic flights that are seizing on the trend, according to researchers at Routehappy, which put together the report. They said international Wi-Fi is “becoming a reality”. On the other hand, there are concerns about take-up rates – worries that a Routehappy representative responded to.
“The take rate is no longer a useful measurement. What matters is the idea that you can get online when you want to get online,” claimed John Walton, director of data for Routehappy.
Commenting on the story, venturebeat.com reporter Christina Farr highlighted how pricing models have been a sticking point for providers such as Gogo, which recently reported that six per cent of fliers took advantage of the service on average over a recent quarter.
Ms Farr noted that one potential consequence of reliable and cost-effective internet on more flights would be that business travellers may be expected to work while in transit, rather than “blow off work, take a nap, and then blame the lack of Wi-Fi on your flight”.
