US airlines prepping in-flight internet access for next week

While in-flight mobile phone use in the US is likely grounded for the forseeable future , it looks like air-travelers will be able to get their airborne internet-fix soon. JetBlue Airways has announced that they’ll be trialling free internet access - email and instant messages - on Tuesday. The test-trial will only be offered on one of the airline’s aircraft, but that single airplane with internet access will be a much-welcomed change from traditionally data- and voice-free flights. American Airlines, Virgin America, and Alaska Airlines will be launching their own fleet-wide internet-access services in the near term. The service will likely cost $10 per flight. Virgin will give passengers access to email through their in-seat entertainment system, while other airlines will be offering WiFi connections in the cabin. Internet access will only be enabled while at cruising altitude - the service will be turned off while the plane is on the tarmac and during the take-off and landing phases of the flight (we wouldn’t want any fiery crashes just so little Jimmy can get his MySpace-fix, now would we?). There’s no word on whether VoIP calls will be allowed, but here’s to hoping! [Via: Computer World ] --- Related Articles at IntoMobile:

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