Internet connectivity in flights are slow and mostly blocking out popular video-streaming sites like YouTube and Netflix over the fear of crippling an already fragile network، preventing everyone from checking emails، tweeting or simply from browsing the web.V
However، Virgin thinks they have the solution – with the new found partnership with ViaSat – that it has got the Wi-Fi internet which can handle intensive tasks like video and audio streaming.
Reportedly the speedier connectivity will be installed in 10 new A320 aircraft – that are slated to be received on Virgin’s end around September، and a beta pilot to test the faster service will get underway for select flights to Hawaii in early 2016. The Wi-Fi trial run، will provide the service for free for all of its travelers.
“It uses Ka satellite across the domestic US. That will deliver speeds up to 30 times the speed of the original ATG that most airlines still fly، and 10 times what our current aircraft will do،” David Cush، Virgin America’s CEO had told CNBC.
“It’s a dual antenna that also uses the Ku satellites across the pacific، so we can have a single antenna offer very fast Wi-Fi across the US and adequate Wi-Fi to Hawaii now،” said Cush، adding while describing the hybrid antenna as a “significant competitive advantage” for his airline.
Meanwhile most of the Virgin Airline’s competitors are trying to power their Wi-Fi using Ka satellites، but they are limited to the setback of using the service only through US routes. “No one really has the combination of Ka and Ku،” Cush said.
With just talks and rumors mostly making the headlines، it will take some time until any definitive end-products can be seen which provides the satisfactory speeds.