Delta Sets ETA for Internet Service

Delta(DAL Quote) says it will provide wireless connectivity on all domestic flights by next summer, the latest sign that it will not be long before all U.S. airline passengers have wireless access.

With its announcement, Delta -- which is poised to become the biggest carrier in the world after completing a merger with Northwest(NWA Quote) -- moves to the head of the line in the race to provide Internet. Every carrier is evaluating the technology and several others, including American(AMR Quote) and Virgin America, are also pushing ahead quickly.

The ability to provide Internet access has taken on a new urgency as airlines hunt out every available revenue source. "This is a low capital investment and high revenue opportunity for Delta," says spokeswoman Betsy Talton. She declined to specify potential revenue.

Talton noted that Delta intends to expand the service to Northwest's mainline domestic fleet, assuming the Justice Department approves the planned merger. The service will cost $9.95 on flights of three hours or less, and $12.95 on longer flights.

Chicago-based, privately held Aircell is partnering with Delta to install a broadband system enabling passengers with Wi-Fi enabled devices such as laptops, smart phones and PDAs to access the Internet, e-mail accounts and instant messaging. The system is lightweight and requires minimal space, Delta said.

"The advent of Air-To-Ground (ATG) technology has made broadband connectivity in the cabin economically viable for the first time for commercial airlines,'' said Aircell CEO Jack Blumenstein, in a prepared statement.

< Previous

1 2 3

Next >