Better In-Flight Wi-Fi Is Coming. United Installs Starlink on Its First Plane
If your work trip often involves short regional hops, be prepared for Wi-Fi services, which are better than larger aircraft soaring on larger aircraft. back Announced an agreement with SpaceX late last yearUnited Airlines has started installation Starlink satellite Wi-Fi hardware In the fleet of aircraft.
This handover is expected to bring wireless internet speeds up to 250Mbps, which is comparable to some ground internet services and 50 times faster than what is available in current regional aircraft. In addition to wider bandwidth, the equipment placed on the aircraft is also smaller in weight and is easier to install than other aircraft Wi-Fi systems.
Wi-Fi access will also be free for United LileagePlus customers.
Reduce weight and more bandwidth
Manchester United begins this week assembling Wi-Fi’s future with new Starlink hardware on maintenance hangers near Nashville International Airport. The technicians installed the first Starlink device on Embraer E175, a workhorse for driving regional routes. Manchester United estimates that by the end of this year, it will equip 40 similar regional aircraft per month.
The technician installs the antenna hardware as part of equipping the aircraft with the Starlink Wi-Fi system.
According to the Wing, the 85-pound Starlink device includes an antenna, a power unit, a wireless access point and an enhanced structure that takes 8 hours of installation. The complete installation and testing period puts the aircraft into practice for three to four days. Compared to competitive Wi-Fi devices, the device can weigh more than 300 pounds and disable the aircraft for 10 days or more. The smaller footprint of Starlink hardware is expected to improve fuel efficiency per plane.
During installation, the old existing equipment was completely removed.
“Our ability to launch this innovative service at an unprecedented speed and scale is a direct result of a team of advanced equipment, technology and experts in the United States,” Grant Milstead, vice president of digital technology at the United Nations, said in a statement.
More bandwidth, more communication
Increased bandwidth will mean that passengers can improve their in-flight entertainment experience – imagine streaming videos or games in the service you directly subscribe to.
According to the United States, Starlink’s equipment should provide more reliable services. It uses inter-satellite laser link technology, which switches between high-altitude and low-earth orbit satellites to maintain better communication. Another advantage Starlink offers is that passengers can connect to the Internet from door to door, meaning they don’t have to wait until the plane is in the air.
Passengers eager for data will not be the only ones who benefit from the access to the star-stripe link. The expanded bandwidth also means cabin crews should be able to use their personal devices to send messages to people on the ground more reliably. As the installation process accelerates – also involves FAA approval for each type of aircraft, Manchester United hopes to board the Mainline aircraft later this year.
