In-flight internet access months away

NEWS UK satellite communications firm Inmarsat has announced plans to start rolling out high-speed internet access to air passengers. The service, called Swift64, is expected to be offered to commercial airliners by the end of the year. While Inmarsat looks likely to win the race to provide airborne internet access a number of other companies, such as Boeing and Tenzing are clamouring not to be left behind (see http://www.silicon.com/a45059 for more) and have been developing systems for some time. Swift64 will offer data speeds of up to 64kbs - equivalent to current DSL delivery rates - and the service will take advantage of antennae already fitted on 4,000 craft. All the airlines need to do is equip their planes with networks and ports for travellers to plug in their laptops. However, as with other forms of satellite communication, it is unlikely to be offered cheaply. According to reports, the bandwidth would be sold to airlines for between $11 and $15 per minute - with the option for the carrier to then resell it to passengers at their own rates - giving rise to the opportunity for increased competition between airlines already locked in a fierce battle for business class passengers. German airline Lufthansa is so far the only company to sign up for the service and is planning to start offering it by late 2002 or early 2003.