More Boeing planes to get wireless, cellular connectivity

September 21, 2012

The U.S. government isn't ready to let you make in-flight voice calls from your mobile phone, but that's not stopping Boeing from adding in-flight use for cell phones and other connectivity options to more of its planes. The airliner manufacturer recently announced that by the end of 2013 stock offerings to its 747-8 and 777 airplanes will include connectivity systems developed by Panasonic and the Thales Group. The new systems enable features such as Wi-Fi, live television broadcasts, and Internet access through in-flight entertainment programs, in addition to on-board cellular access. Boeing already offers similar connectivity options for its 737 models as well as supply the Boeing 787 Dreamliner airplanes with cell and Wi-Fi access. Boeing says it expects to offer wireless media streaming on all new Boeing airplanes by 2014. But while Boeing planes are ready for the future of in-flight gadgetry, the Federal Aviation Administration is still grounding the mobile device takeoff. Current FAA rules disallow the use of electronic gadgets below 10,000 feet, and in-flight cellular connectivity is banned entirely. During takeoff and landing, you can't so much as glance at a page on your new Paperwhite Kindle display, even if the device's wireless radio is turned off. Keep reading...

Link: http://www.pcworld.com/article/2010315/more-boeing-planes-to-get-wireless-cellular-connectivity.html