Starting next year, Tempe-based US Airways will transform dozens of planes into flying internet hotspots.
According to US Airways’ website, travelers with a Wi-Fi enabled device such as a laptop, smartphone or PDA will have internet access through Aircell GoGo Inflight Internet Wi-Fi.
Cost for the service has not been set yet but current service prices range from $5.95 to $12.95, depending on the length of the flight and type of Wi-Fi enabled device used to access the service.
Passengers will be able to sign up for service even before they board their flight by going to gogo’s website to create an account and sign up for the service.
According to the website, the service will work through a series of cellular towers throughout the U.S. that allow transmission of broadband internet connectivity to Gogo-equipped aircraft.
Three small antennas on the outside of the aircraft receive the signal and send it to the Gogo system aboard the aircraft. The Gogo system then transmits a Wi-Fi signal inside the cabin for passengers’ mobile devices.
US Airways says 50 Airbus A321 aircraft will be equipped with Wi-Fi by early 2010.
From http://www.abc15.com/content/news/southeastvalley/tempe/story/Tempe-based-airline-to-turn-aircraft-into-flying/kZE55Dads0edJSj_Us4WCQ.cspx