Are we already seeing evidence of bandwidth limitations on today's Wi-Fi-enabled flights? Some users say "yes".
Check out the following iTunes preview: http://inflightmusic.blogspot.com
It was recorded in-flight using video screen capture software. Then go to the iTunes site on your home or office computer and listen to a free song preview yourself. You will see quite a difference.
But what are other examples of the current data rate on aircraft? One industry executive claims the following:
1) A simple MP3 song takes over 30 minutes to download
2) Preview an HD movie trailer in flight and it will buffer (transmit) data for 41 seconds and then play for 6 seconds, buffer 41, play for 6, etc.
3) If you want to play online poker in flight (choose ANY poker site you want), it will take over half an hour to download a few MB of setup programming
Is said industry insider right? When I tried Gogo on Virgin America's initial launch, the service worked wonderfully. During that flight the good folks over at Gadling put Gogo through some rigorous testing - with a plane-load of Gogo users - and were quite satisfied.
With that said - will the novelty factor of in-flight Wi-Fi in the USA wear off? If it does, will people get PO'd if the bandwidth isn't fully akin to what they are accustomed to on the ground?
Aircell could not be immediately reached for comment.
Check out the following iTunes preview: http://inflightmusic.blogspot.com
It was recorded in-flight using video screen capture software. Then go to the iTunes site on your home or office computer and listen to a free song preview yourself. You will see quite a difference.
But what are other examples of the current data rate on aircraft? One industry executive claims the following:
1) A simple MP3 song takes over 30 minutes to download
2) Preview an HD movie trailer in flight and it will buffer (transmit) data for 41 seconds and then play for 6 seconds, buffer 41, play for 6, etc.
3) If you want to play online poker in flight (choose ANY poker site you want), it will take over half an hour to download a few MB of setup programming
Is said industry insider right? When I tried Gogo on Virgin America's initial launch, the service worked wonderfully. During that flight the good folks over at Gadling put Gogo through some rigorous testing - with a plane-load of Gogo users - and were quite satisfied.
With that said - will the novelty factor of in-flight Wi-Fi in the USA wear off? If it does, will people get PO'd if the bandwidth isn't fully akin to what they are accustomed to on the ground?
Aircell could not be immediately reached for comment.
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