I Knew the Ban on RF Devices on Planes was Garbage

If you have flown on any airline for any period of years you have heard the refrain — “Please place your tray table and seats in an upright position. Please turn off all electronic devices.” I remember it well. Well Dear Reader explain me this one please –

A memorandum of intent has been signed by American Airlines and AirCell LLC, a provider of airborne telecomms services, which will reportedly make it the first US airline to enable passengers to use AirCell’s high-speed broadband connectivity.

The broadband connectivity test is due to be conducted on the airline’s Boeing 767-200 aircraft, flying mainly transcontinental routes, next year, available in all classes for a fee. American Airlines said the service could be extended to the rest of its domestic fleet if the solution proves successful.

The solution will provide a high-speed Internet connection, VPN access and e-mail capabilities through WiFi-enabled laptops and PDA devices, allowing passengers to access real-time in-flight broadband communication. The technology will use three antennas fitted on the outside of the aircraft, with AirCell providing cellular towers throughout the continental US to transmit the signal, with 802.11a/b/gWiFi signals received inside the cabin.

Wifi is a low power service but on par with cellphones which the airlines always wanted turned off. Not only that, but Wifi is a spectrum hopping service to boot. I would suspect that there is as much opportunity for mischief by having the laptop on than there ever was for the cellphone. Bottom line, its OK so long as the airlines are getting their slice of the income. I don’t mind that so much, but don’t lie about it as a safety issue.

Linky.