Say goodbye to spotty connections as SpaceX’s Starlink and others prepare to revolutionize in-flight internet.

  • In-flight Wi-Fi performance varies significantly across airlines and flights.
  • Older technologies like 3G cellular are still in use, leading to poor connectivity.
  • New satellite technologies from SpaceX’s Starlink and Intelsat promise faster and more reliable connections.
  • Low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites reduce latency, improving streaming and video calls.
  • Airlines are planning to upgrade their Wi-Fi systems by 2025, moving away from outdated technologies.

In-flight Wi-Fi has long been a source of frustration for travelers, with connections that can range from excellent to nearly nonexistent. The inconsistency is largely due to airlines relying on outdated technologies, such as 3G cellular networks, which are still in use on many planes. However, the future looks promising with the advent of new satellite technologies from companies like SpaceX’s Starlink and Intelsat. nnOver a three-month period, I tested in-flight Wi-Fi on 10 different planes and gathered data from over 50 flights across eight airlines. The results were eye-opening. While traditional connections often struggled, the latest satellite networks provided speeds comparable to home internet. nnCurrently, airlines use a mix of connection types: 3G cellular, geostationary (GEO) satellites, and the emerging low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The older 3G technology is particularly problematic, as it relies on ground-based towers and can barely support basic tasks like sending emails. In contrast, GEO satellites, which are over 20,000 miles away, offer better performance but still suffer from high latency, making real-time applications challenging. nnThe real game-changer is LEO satellite technology, which operates at much lower altitudes, significantly reducing latency. I tested both Starlink and Intelsat’s LEO services and was impressed by the results. I could stream high-definition videos on multiple devices simultaneously and even conduct video calls without noticeable delays. nnAs airlines look to upgrade their systems, many plan to phase out older technologies by 2025. This shift is driven by a growing demand for reliable in-flight internet, with airlines like American and Alaska already starting to implement these upgrades. nnFor travelers, this means that while current in-flight Wi-Fi can still be hit or miss, a new era of fast, reliable, and potentially free internet is on the horizon. Until then, it’s wise to check your flight’s Wi-Fi provider and be prepared for varying levels of service.·

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides a detailed analysis of in-flight Wi-Fi technology, including personal testing and data collection from multiple flights. It avoids sensationalism and presents factual information about the current state and future of in-flight connectivity. However, some sections may contain minor digressions and personal anecdotes that could detract from the overall focus.·
Noise Level: 8
Noise Justification: The article provides a thorough analysis of in-flight Wi-Fi technologies, comparing different systems and their performance. It includes data from multiple tests and personal experiences, which supports its claims. The piece also addresses the implications of outdated technology and the future of in-flight connectivity, offering actionable insights for travelers. However, while it stays mostly on topic, some sections could be seen as slightly verbose.·
Public Companies: Intelsat (I), Viasat (VSAT), Panasonic (PCRFY), Delta Air Lines (DAL), United Airlines (UAL), Alaska Airlines (ALK), American Airlines (AAL), JetBlue Airways (JBLU)
Private Companies: SpaceX,JSX,Gogo
Key People: Joanna Stern (Columnist), Nikki Waller (Editor), Dave Bijur (Senior Vice President of Commercial Aviation at Intelsat), Ryan Trefes (Not specified), Juanje Gómez (Not specified), Jared Miller (Not specified), Eric Bellman (Not specified), John Wade (Vice President of In-Flight Connectivity at Panasonic Avionics)

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Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The article discusses the impact of new in-flight Wi-Fi technologies on airlines, which could affect their operational costs and customer satisfaction, potentially influencing stock prices and market performance.
Financial Rating Justification: The article focuses on the technological advancements in in-flight Wi-Fi and how these changes may affect airlines’ services, which is directly related to the financial performance and market strategies of the companies involved.·
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: The article discusses in-flight Wi-Fi technology and its performance but does not mention any extreme events that occurred in the last 48 hours.·
Move Size: No market move size mentioned.
Sector: Technology
Direction: Up
Magnitude: Large
Affected Instruments: Stocks

Image source: NahidSultan / Own work

Reported publicly: www.wsj.com