Intel hotspots take to the skies

Intel has signed a deal with Boeing to launch the first commercially available in-flight wireless internet access service.

Connexion by Boeing will become the first in-flight internet service to be verified under Intel's Wireless Verification Programme.

Boeing said that it has deals in place with Lufthansa Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Japan Airlines, ANA, Singapore Airlines and China Airlines on more than 100 daily routes worldwide. The service is also available on private and government aircraft.

The Intel announcement follows an agreement last week between Connexion by Boeing and Yahoo in which Yahoo's search engine will be the default on Boeing's in-flight internet service.

Rob Staples, head of consulting services at Capgemini in the UK, said: "The idea of anytime anyplace connectivity is compelling, but the reality is less so.

"High prices and products that are difficult to use often turn off potential customers. While Connexion is not new, this partnership with Intel could be interesting if it can help to address the customer experience.

"The issue of high prices, however, needs to be dealt with if this service is to really take off."

The cost to passengers will be $29.95 for international flights and $19.95 for flights under six hours. Pay-per-minute charging will also be available at $9.95 for 60 minutes and $0.25 per minute thereafter.

The service competes directly with Inmarsat's Broadband Global Area Network which is also being developed to offer online communications to air passengers and will allow mobile phone calls.

Inmarsat claims that half of long-haul planes already use its equipment for safety and operational features, and that upgrading the system to add data communications for passengers is fairly simple.