Give us in-flight broadband, say passengers

Airline passengers want in-flight broadband internet access according to the findings of a silicon.com poll.

Respondents said overwhelmingly that they would find the provision of internet connections on planes useful, with 65 per cent lending their support to such a service. Only 35 per cent of respondents said they wouldn't find in-flight broadband useful.

Although some airlines have already launched in-flight broadband services, charging $30 on long-haul flights for unlimited broadband, this is very much the exception rather than the rule. However, the findings of silicon.com's poll would suggest those airlines targeting the business traveller would do well to follow suit.

Greater mobility, and the ability to work seamlessly while on the move, is a major issue for business travellers and flight time - which should be an ideal opportunity to catch up on some work - is often compromised by a lack of connectivity.

For many in-flight broadband represents the missing piece of the seamless jigsaw, yet the roll out of services has been dogged by slow progress and problems - such as Boeing's recent decision to pull its six-year Connexion by Boeing project.