A few years ago, the FCC and FAA changed the flight industry by finally allowing planes to stream the internet while in the air. While some airlines offered their services, most internet-enabled flights use Gogo, a WiFi service that offered a premium pay-to-surf package for anyone willing to pay. While most people will skip the service after seeing the monumental costs, Gogo users should see their accounts receive a speed upgrade in the near future.
GoGo announced on Friday that the FCC approved its installation of upgraded antennas that will improve in-flight download rates. According to the FCC, GoGo had permission to install 2Ku technology on 1,000 planes. However, Gogo is still waiting for approval from the FAA.
"Clearing the necessary regulatory hurdles to providing this service to an aircraft flying anywhere around the globe is no small feat," Gogo CEO and President Michael Small said. "Gogo has proven it is a leader at navigating these environments for all aircraft types no matter where they fly."
2ku antennas connect directly with Ku satellites in the air and will offer users download rates up to 70 Mbps, a monumental increase when compared to GoGo's past peak download rate of 3.1 Mbps. According to the FCC, there are no other devices that are close to the 2ku's internet speed. The only other antenna that comes close is 2013's ATG-4 system, which could only reach 9.8 Mbps.
GoGo predicts it will be able to install the new tech by the second half of 2015. Once the FAA has approved GoGo's upgrade, the technology will be initially added to Virgin Atlantic and Aeromexico flights. Air Canada, Japan Airlines and United Airlines will also add the new tech to their planes on a trial basis. Supposedly, Brazilian carrier Azul is also looking into upgrading in the near future.
While GoGo's 2ku tech upgrades will be limited to just 1,000 planes at first, the FCC is willing to amend their agreement at a later time if GoGo wishes to add more in the future.
