Southwest and Row 44 to Test Satellite Broadband Internet

Southwest Airlines is partnering with Row 44 to test satellite-delivered broadband Internet access on four of its B-737s; they hope to commence the evaluation this summer.

The airline say its goal is to give customers who have Wi-Fi enabled devices full access to the Internet and VPNs (virtual private networks).

Dave Ridley, Southwest Airlines' senior vice president of marketing, said, "Southwest is looking for the best solution for our customers not only for Internet e-mail access, but for additional inflight entertainment as well."

As for the airline's decision to use Row 44's satellite system, Mr. Riley said Southwest believes the technology "will offer a more robust experience for more customers per aircraft" than other available alternatives.  01-27-2008.

Click here to become a registered Flt Tech Online subscriber and receive headlines delivered to your e-mail each week

Click here to go back to the headlines