Do you use WiFi when you travel by airplane? I do — but the connection can be spotty. There’s nothing more frustrating than being in the midst of an email conversation with a publisher or a reader when the internet connection drops out and the conversation comes to a sudden halt, leaving the party on the other end wondering if I’ve rudely aborted the conversation.
And that’s just me. Imagine an internet connection dropping out on FBI Special Agent Kim Otto mid-flight, as she’s someone who depends on work to distract her from the disasters she knows from experience can be right around the bend.
A new report by Routehappy shows that only 6% of the flights that offer WiFi offer reliable, speedy connections. It’s incredibly frustrating to pay for WiFi only to find out it doesn’t work.
But, good news, all you WiFi loving travelers. Sometime between now and the beginning of 2017, we can expect to find more reliable internet connections on more flights.
A company called Gogo is offering satellite-based technology, which means roughly double the bandwidth. The new technology, Gogo says, will be similar to the quality of Wi-Fi most of us are used to experiencing on land.
Gogo isn’t the only company offering upgraded technology. Panasonic says it will multiply bandwidth by five. And other airline WiFi providers are planning improvements that will happen later in 2017.
So, if you like to work, email friends and family, download new books to read or even stream movies while you fly, your luck is about to take off!
Is this good news for you? Are you someone who uses WiFi when you’re on a plane? If so, do you use it for work or for pleasure?
This is great news! I can’t say I’m someone who uses wi-fi on flights. However, I can say I’m someone who TRIES to use wi-fi on flights, mostly unsuccessfully! Reception is always spotty and connectivity can be problematic and expensive. Lately, while flying, I’ve taken to downloading video content prior to departure or reading the latest Diane Capri novel on my tablet!