Internet At 40,000 ft: As in-flight Wi-Fi becomes increasingly common, have you ever wondered how it keeps you connected at 40,000 feet? With no traditional broadband or mobile towers in the sky, airplanes rely on advanced technology. In the past, air travel and internet access were considered mutually exclusive. If you were taking a flight, you’d be logging out of the digital world. However, this issue has been addressed by the Indian government.
In March 2020, the central government permitted airlines operating in India to provide in-flight Wi-Fi services to passengers. Notably, there are two primary systems for in-flight connectivity: air-to-ground and satellite.
Air-to-Ground System
This system works like mobile data on the ground but in reverse. Instead of cell towers projecting signals downward, special towers send signals upward. Antennas beneath the airplane receive these signals and transmit them to an onboard server, which then provides Wi-Fi to passengers. These ground towers are linked to operation centers run by service providers.
Satellite-Based Wi-Fi System
In this system, antennas on top of the airplane receive signals from satellites orbiting the Earth. Since both the aircraft and satellites are constantly moving, the antennas adjust to maintain a steady connection. These satellites relay data to ground stations, which connect to service providers.
Which Airlines Offer In-Flight Wi-Fi?
Many airlines in the UK and US already provide in-flight Wi-Fi. In India, some airlines, including Air India, are rolling out this service. Passengers receive details about availability when they board.
How To Connect Wi-Fi In Flight?
Connecting is easy—just like regular Wi-Fi. Passengers can tap on the Wi-Fi option on their phones. In some cases, they may need to enter their ticket details to access the service.
Is In-Flight Wi-Fi Free?
Some airlines offer free Wi-Fi, while others charge a fee. Pricing details are usually available when booking tickets.
Future of In-Flight Wi-Fi
At higher altitudes, airplanes switch to satellite-based services. Many airlines use a mix of Wi-Fi providers and technologies based on their aircraft and routes. New players like Starlink, the satellite internet service by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, are also entering the market.
Earlier this year, Starlink partnered with Hawaiian Airlines to offer high-speed internet through its low-Earth orbit satellites, marking a new era in in-flight connectivity.