Inflight Internet
02-06-2011 | 10:40 AM
#1
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From: Yes
Inflight Internet
We are seriously considering to install inflight internet on our aircraft (yep, the owners are aware of the equipment, installation and usage costs).
I would like to hear some of your considerations/concerns if you have been down this path, or are headed that way like us. Which systems did you consider/install and why. Pros/cons of your choice. If you had it to do over again?
No one system is perfect for all, but we hope this helps us choose which one is right for us. Thanks in advance!
I would like to hear some of your considerations/concerns if you have been down this path, or are headed that way like us. Which systems did you consider/install and why. Pros/cons of your choice. If you had it to do over again?
No one system is perfect for all, but we hope this helps us choose which one is right for us. Thanks in advance!
02-06-2011 | 11:25 AM
#2
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From: Executive Transport Driver
What type of aircraft? What's your typical flight/trip profile? International? Domestic? What type of data stream/bandwidth do you need? Just sending emails? Hoping for VOIP or streaming video? Web surfing?
All of those things might influence the system and service level you go with. If you're doing all domestic, I'd consider a ground based system like AirCell (That's the same system that the airlines' GOGO inflight internet uses).
If you need international coverage SwiftBroadband or Swift 64 through SatcomDirect might be better options.
I can tell you that based on my own experiences, satellite based internet is expensive! But it looks like you already know that...
All of those things might influence the system and service level you go with. If you're doing all domestic, I'd consider a ground based system like AirCell (That's the same system that the airlines' GOGO inflight internet uses).
If you need international coverage SwiftBroadband or Swift 64 through SatcomDirect might be better options.
I can tell you that based on my own experiences, satellite based internet is expensive! But it looks like you already know that...
02-06-2011 | 01:06 PM
#3
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Large-cabin aircraft. Mostly domestic trans-con flights, light international (Canada, Mexico & the Carribean).
How does the real-world speed and bandwith play out between systems?
The unlimited data plan through AirCell sounds attractive.
How does the real-world speed and bandwith play out between systems?
The unlimited data plan through AirCell sounds attractive.
02-07-2011 | 03:56 AM
#4
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From: Corporate Captain
We use AirCell and routinely get 2.5 to 3 Mbps down. It works very well. The unlimited plan is expensive, about $24,000 per year. Installation costs can run between $80-$100K. The passengers love the connectivity along with being able to use their Blackberries/smartphones. If you do not frequently fly international, don't even bother with satellite based internet.
02-07-2011 | 03:16 PM
#5
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Thanks geo. Those are the numbers we have been hearing.
The AirCell unlimited plan sounds pricey, but we are thinking that it's better than monitoring usage between owners. Besides, can't the limited plans become even more expensive if you go over?
The AirCell unlimited plan sounds pricey, but we are thinking that it's better than monitoring usage between owners. Besides, can't the limited plans become even more expensive if you go over?
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