How In-Flight Internet Works: A Guide to Connectivity in the Skies

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Air India Expands Wi-Fi Services to Domestic Flights
• Technologies Behind In-Flight Connectivity
• How In-Flight Wi-Fi Works?
• Costs and Challenges of Installing In-Flight Wi-Fi

Why in News?

Air India has become the first Indian airline to offer Wi-Fi internet connectivity on select domestic and international flights. Initially, the service will be free on select domestic flights during a limited introductory period, with plans to expand to other aircraft in the fleet. 

Air India Expands Wi-Fi Services to Domestic Flights

• Air India will now offer Wi-Fi connectivity on its Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, and select Airbus A321neo aircraft. 
• These aircraft, including those inherited from Vistara after their merger in November 2024, are equipped with the necessary hardware to provide onboard internet. 
• Previously, Vistara offered this service on select international flights via Nelco and Panasonic Avionics Corporation, a collaboration now extended to Air India’s domestic flights.
• Passengers can access Wi-Fi by enabling it on their devices, connecting to the ‘Air India Wi-Fi’ network, and entering their PNR and last name on the redirected portal. 
• This rollout, initially part of a pilot program on international flights, represents a significant step in Air India’s ambition to enhance passenger experience and align with global standards.

Technologies Behind In-Flight Connectivity

• Ground-Based Cellular Towers (Air-to-Ground Technology)
  • Utilizes antennae, typically mounted on the aircraft’s belly, to connect with nearby ground towers.
  • Functions similarly to how devices access wireless internet on the ground.
  • Offers stable connectivity unless the aircraft flies over large water bodies, deserted land, or areas with sparse cellular towers.
  • Limited by the availability of ground towers.
• Satellite-Based Connectivity
  • Internet is transmitted from ground stations to aircraft via satellites, using antennae on top of the aircraft.
  • Provides broader coverage, especially over regions without ground towers, such as oceans or remote areas.
  • Increasingly popular due to its wider and more reliable coverage.

How In-Flight Wi-Fi Works?

• Signal Transmission Inside the Aircraft
  • Passengers’ devices connect to multiple Wi-Fi antennae located in the cabin.
  • Signals are sent from these antennae to an onboard server.
  • This process is common for both ATG and satellite-based systems.
• Satellite-Based Connectivity Process
  • Signals from the onboard server are transmitted via an antenna on top of the aircraft to a satellite.
  • The satellite relays the signals to a ground station/teleport.
  • Response signals follow the reverse path back to the aircraft through the satellite.
• Air-to-Ground (ATG) Connectivity Process
  • Signals from the onboard server are directly sent to ground cellular towers using an antenna beneath the aircraft.
  • Towers respond by transmitting signals back to the aircraft.
• Speed Limitations and Future Developments
  • In-flight Wi-Fi is slower than ground internet, but advancements in technology are gradually improving its speed and reliability.

Costs and Challenges of Installing In-Flight Wi-Fi

• Equipment Installation Costs
  • Airlines face high initial costs to install antennae on aircraft.
  • Retrofitting older planes can disrupt operations, making installation on new aircraft more practical.
  • Air India’s $400-million retrofit programme presents an opportunity to equip older planes with Wi-Fi as part of the overhaul.
• Existing Wi-Fi-Enabled Aircraft
  • Air India’s current Wi-Fi-enabled planes are newer models, already equipped with the necessary hardware, unlike its older legacy fleet.
• Global Practices for Onboard Wi-Fi
  • Many airlines offer a small volume of free Wi-Fi before charging customers for data packs, which are often expensive.
  • Some provide free or unlimited Wi-Fi to loyalty programme members, as well as business and first-class passengers.
• Air India’s Current Approach
  • Air India is offering free Wi-Fi for a limited introductory period but has not disclosed when charges will apply.
• Future Revenue Potential
  • Growing demand for in-flight Internet positions it as a lucrative ancillary revenue stream.
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi for economy class passengers is unlikely to become a widespread practice in the near to medium term due to high installation costs.

Q.1. What technologies enable in-flight internet connectivity?

Two main technologies power in-flight Wi-Fi: Air-to-Ground (ATG) technology, which uses ground-based cellular towers, and satellite-based connectivity, which transmits signals via satellites for wider coverage, especially over remote areas.

Q.2. How does satellite-based connectivity differ from ATG technology?

Satellite-based connectivity uses an antenna on top of the aircraft to transmit signals to satellites, offering coverage in remote areas, whereas ATG technology connects to ground towers and is limited by tower availability.

Source: IE | BS

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