Brandweek reports that Jetblue will unveil onboard Internet access sometime this year, delivered by LiveTV, which is a Jetblue subsidiary company that not only provides IFE to it, but to other airlines. Cell phone calls will be blocked…due to overwhelming customer opposition to the ability…but text messaging is an acceptable alternative in the air for most. The most important thing to us is that Jetblue does not plan to charge for the service…Even though we think people will gladly pay a reasonable fee for it.
Now, Jetblue is not the only airline exploring onboard Internet in the United States. It is said if not for the industry downturn after 9/11…Boeing Connexxion would have been more successful. Originally, American, Delta, and United were partnered with Boeing for the internet effort…and might have encouraged the aircraft make the technology more cost-effective and to justify its continued existence.
Southwest has been working on in-flight internet as well, as have other carriers…but with them it is most likely to be a paid service or advertiser supported system. We would gladly give an airline $5-10 extra dollars. Then again…we’re netaholics here…
