FCC to sell airwaves for airline high-speed Internet

Iria · Jan 13, 2006, 08:27 PM

On May 10, the FCC will begin auctioning the frequencies currently being used for airline phone service to companies wishing to provide broadband server to air travelers. Verizon has had a monopoly on airline phone service, but many travelers have been turned off by the high cost of a couple dollars a minute. The auction promises that several carriers will offer high-speed Internet access for lower cost. In addition, flyers will still be able to call their friends using VoIP.

The FCC wants the auction to raise at least $5 million dollars and plans to sell frequencies in 1 to 3 megahertz chunks. Verizon, who currently has a five year non-renewable contract with the FCC, plans to bid.

Internet is already on planes with Lufthansa and a few other carriers already offering high-speed access via satellite on some flights. Customers can buy in 30-minute increments or for $29.95 get access for the full flight.
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Source: TG Daily

Jan 13, 2006, 08:27 PM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 74	FCC to sell airwaves for airline high-speed Internet On May 10, the FCC will begin auctioning the frequencies currently being used for airline phone service to companies wishing to provide broadband server to air travelers. Verizon has had a monopoly on airline phone service, but many travelers have been turned off by the high cost of a couple dollars a minute. The auction promises that several carriers will offer high-speed Internet access for lower cost. In addition, flyers will still be able to call their friends using VoIP. The FCC wants the auction to raise at least $5 million dollars and plans to sell frequencies in 1 to 3 megahertz chunks. Verizon, who currently has a five year non-renewable contract with the FCC, plans to bid. Internet is already on planes with Lufthansa and a few other carriers already offering high-speed access via satellite on some flights. Customers can buy in 30-minute increments or for $29.95 get access for the full flight. __________ Source: TG Daily