The initial inflight technological advances keep on coming for JetBlue Airways with Thursday's announcement that brings ka-band streaming inflight internet and entertainment systems to the airline, and others if they choose to have it.
The Federal Aviation Administration approved LiveTV to obtain a supplemental type certificate in September so the internet can be set up on Airbus A320, and Boeing 737-900 aircrafts a press release reported More aircrafts are in the works.
"This is a major milestone in the growth of LiveTV and our ability to offer the next-generation inflight connectivity experience to airlines worldwide," Glenn Latta, President of LiveTV said in a statement. "Our development of inflight entertainment and connectivity allows airlines to offer the most advanced at-home experience in the air."
Each passenger will be able to access the internet at a speed of at least 12 mbps on JetBlue as of now. Travelers can also access the satellite network when they are on the ground on their personal electronic devices.
"As the innovator of live in-flight entertainment systems, LiveTV has advanced in-flight connectivity to not only bring an industry leading passenger experience, but to enable airlines to generate operational efficiencies via a connected aircraft. Our system will enable airlines to operate the aircraft more efficiently and therefore save money while delighting their passengers," Barry Schliesmann, LiveTV Chief Product Officer said in a statement.
JetBlue became the first airline to allow passengers to use their PED's from their flight's departure gate to the arrival gate last month.
Southwest Airlines also allows flyers to use Wi-Fi on their PED's for $8.
"There's a simple reason why air travelers haven't had access to fast broadband: Legacy technologies don't enable a sufficient amount of bandwidth delivery to the plane at a cost that makes sense for airlines or consumers," Don Buchman, director of mobile broadband at ViaSat told Satellite Today.
