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.
ha!
12/26, 02:18pm reply
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***.
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
VOIP Wi-Fi
12/26, 02:23pm reply
With respect to bandwidth available, aren't those the same thing?
RKDinOKC
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2007
Regression
12/27, 03:45am reply
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
cvbcvb
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Joined: Nov 2003
Re: regression
12/27, 07:55am reply
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.
testudo
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Joined: Aug 2001
re: regression
12/27, 10:56am reply
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.
kenspi
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Joined: Jun 2007
re: regression
12/27, 10:58am reply
Maybe he had a noise cancelling microphone (and headphone)? Or maybe he flew one of those 'quiet' planes.
testudo
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Joined: Aug 2001