It’s super fast, super high, and super cheap. What is it? Wi-Fi at 30,000 feet every time you travel via Virgin Airlines. Actually, the super cheap part isn’t accurate—prices depend on the length of the flight. And pray tell who is Gogo? It’s Virgin Airlines’ partner in this new service. Gogo rolled out their four times faster ATG-4 just to make this deal sweeter than usual.
What is ATG-4 Technology?
The announcement came on September 14 and is supposed to boost Gogo’s vaunted ATG-4 service. Once it goes live, Gogo and Virgin insist that Wi-Fi speeds will be four times faster. This means passengers can enjoy HD content during their flight. Gogo can pull off this kind of premium largely due to EV-DO Rev. B technology.
ATG-4, which stands for Air-to-Ground 4, is a significant upgrade over the previous generation of in-flight internet technology. It utilizes a combination of advanced antenna systems and EV-DO Rev. B technology to deliver faster and more reliable internet connections. This allows passengers to stream videos, participate in video calls, and browse the web with minimal interruptions. The technology is designed to handle the increasing demand for in-flight connectivity, ensuring that multiple passengers can enjoy high-speed internet simultaneously.
Availability and Future Prospects
The rather awful part is Gogo’s impressive ATG-4 won’t go live in North America until the first half of next year. Aw, shucks! As for the rest of the fleet? If the ATG-4 is already available, then it’s pretty sweet to fly Virgin these days.
While the initial rollout may be limited, the future prospects for in-flight Wi-Fi are promising. Gogo and Virgin Airlines are committed to expanding the availability of ATG-4 across their entire fleet. This means that more passengers will soon be able to experience the benefits of high-speed internet at 30,000 feet. Additionally, the advancements in in-flight connectivity are not limited to Virgin Airlines. Other airlines are also investing in similar technologies to enhance the passenger experience.
For example, Delta Airlines has announced plans to equip its entire domestic fleet with high-speed Wi-Fi by the end of next year. Similarly, American Airlines is working on upgrading its in-flight internet services to provide faster and more reliable connections. These developments indicate a broader trend in the aviation industry towards improving in-flight connectivity, making it an essential feature for modern air travel.
Moreover, the introduction of ATG-4 technology is just the beginning. Gogo is already working on the next generation of in-flight internet, known as 2Ku. This new technology promises even faster speeds and greater coverage, utilizing a combination of satellite and ground-based systems. With 2Ku, passengers can expect seamless connectivity, regardless of their flight route or altitude.
The partnership between Virgin Airlines and Gogo to introduce ATG-4 technology marks a significant milestone in the evolution of in-flight connectivity. While the initial rollout may be limited, the future prospects are promising, with more airlines investing in similar technologies to enhance the passenger experience. As advancements continue, passengers can look forward to faster, more reliable, and more accessible in-flight internet, making air travel more enjoyable and productive.
Source CNet
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