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Airlines planning to filter in-flight Internet

updated 12:55 pm EST, Wed December 26, 2007

 

Airline Internet filtering


As airlines begin resuming in-flight Internet services, some have already decided to filter what passengers can do, writes the Associated Press. American Airlines -- confirming plans -- will be joined by Alaska Airlines in soon blocking access to VoIP services such as Skype, while companies such as Virgin America are currently contemplating a ban. The problem is that VoIP not only consumes large amounts of bandwidth, but may generate tremendous noise in a cabin from numerous ongoing conversations. Wi-Fi-enabled handsets could help circumvent the bandwidth concern.

None of the above three airlines have any plans to filter websites, but the technology has already been developed by companies such as OnAir and Panasonic. The worry is that some users may slow down connections with large downloads, while others may attempt to browse violent or sexual webpages within eyesight of children. Companies such as Wi-Fi provider Aircell, however, believe that "decency and good sense and normal behavior" will likely be enough to induce self-censorship.


By Electronista Staff

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Previous Comments

  1. testudo

    Forum Regular

    Joined: Aug 2001

    0

    ha!

    Companies such as Wi-Fi provider Aircell, however, believe that "decency and good sense and normal behavior" will likely be enough to induce self-censorship.

    I don't think so. If there's anything that takes "decency", "good sense", and "normal behavior" out of people, it's air travel. And I can't imagine the kind of fights that could get started if someone tried to disconnect another's p***.


  1. RKDinOKC

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jul 2007

    0

    VOIP Wi-Fi

    With respect to bandwidth available, aren't those the same thing?


  1. cvbcvb

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Nov 2003

    0

    Regression

    Boeing’s Connexion had no such restrictions. I traveled over the Atlantic while Skypeing away on an unfettered internet...

    It’s too bad 9/11 scared all the US Carriers from adopting it - with all the recent Airline internet announcements, Connexion offered much, much more.

    CVB


  1. testudo

    Forum Regular

    Joined: Aug 2001

    0

    Re: regression

    Great, just what we need, to be sitting next to someone talking on the phone for 8 hours. Thanks, dude, but maybe everyone's not interested in your conversations.


  1. kenspi

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jun 2007

    0

    re: regression

    Wow, that guy must've been yelling to be heard over Skype. He'd have to talk quite loud to break through the airplane noise. I, too, tried a call last year before Boeing killed the service. Unless I spoke louder than a typical onboard conversation, the other party heard nothing but jet noise. I didn't want to piss anyone off, so I reverted to plain ol' text chat. That worked just fine, and allowed everyone else to sleep. Having onboard internet sure made a 22-hour trip to India tolerable.


  1. testudo

    Forum Regular

    Joined: Aug 2001

    0

    re: regression

    Maybe he had a noise cancelling microphone (and headphone)? Or maybe he flew one of those 'quiet' planes.


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