[IP] Inflight Web in Holding Pattern Inflight Web in Holding Pattern
Begin forwarded message:
From: Bob Frankston <Bob19-0501@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: December 23, 2006 12:15:42 PM EST
To: Dave Farber <dave@xxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Inflight Web in Holding Pattern Inflight Web in Holding Pattern
WSJ: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116674995719857365.html?
mod=djemTECH
The headline is a frustrating reminder of how far we are from people
understanding the basic concepts – it’s not the web, it’s Internet
Connectivity. No wonder people don’t understand the value of being
connected with the world while flying! If this same cluelessness were
extended the airlines would eliminate other “money-losing” perks like
in-flight music and those expensive reclining seats.
The biggest money-loser is ignorance. Like being told by one
attendant that IR is even more dangerous than those radios even as
the FAA is saying that the fears of radios are unfounded.
Inflight Web in Holding Pattern As Obstacles Spur Uncertainty
By ANDY PASZTOR
December 22, 2006; Page B5
A group that includes airlines, equipment suppliers and satellite
companies hope to breathe new life into an effort to offer Internet
access to plane passengers, even though Boeing Co. pulled the plug
after investing about $1 billion in the project.
But so far, arguments over who will subsidize the money-losing
venture, and how it can be modified to make it more appealing to
passengers, have impeded progress, people familiar with the matter
said. Any replacement service also is likely to be more limited in
number of planes and geographic coverage.
A Lufthansa AG spokeswoman said the carrier is seeking a way to
restart Boeing's Connexion in-flight Internet system toward the end
of 2007. It leads a group that includes the Panasonic Avionics unit
of Japan's Matsushita Electric Industrial Co.; Luxembourg satellite-
operator SES Global SA; and Connexion subcontractor ViaSat Inc. of
Carlsbad, Calif., the people familiar with the matter said.
. . .
A spokesman for Boeing said it isn't in the talks but keeps working
with carriers and suppliers to phase out the service by Dec. 31.
Korean Air, Singapore Airlines Ltd. and other large carriers have
been involved in the latest talks, the people familiar with the
matter said.
Write to Andy Pasztor at andy.pasztor@xxxxxxxx
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