Air-to-Ground Wireless Could Get Bumpy
America's Network: Don't look for in-flight wireless voice services in the near future. On one level, things are moving along well: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has moved ahead on creating a unique band plan and could hold auctions by the end of 2005 or during the first quarter of 2006. That's where the good news ends, however. The plan calls for having a central wireless hub onboard the plane, with service provided only by the airline's carrier. This would have very limited appeal and wouldn't fly, so to speak, according to an analyst. Indeed, the FCC allowed narrowband voice and data services by six carriers a decade ago; only one service — Verizon's Airfone — survives. The other obstacle is that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), not the FCC, has the final say on whether to allow service. A private non-profit, RTCA, is looking into possible interference by the signals on avionics controls. A report is expected in early 2006.
So, for us Verizon folks........maybe a little inflight communication....n/c

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