Remember the days when we were told to turn off our mobile devices during a flight because they might mess with the navigation system? Well, times have changed. Now, we only need to put our mobile devices on flight mode during takeoff and landing, or just keep them on silent. What’s even better is that you can use your mobile devices during the flight, even when you’re 40,000 feet above the ocean, far from any cell towers. Airlines are now offering internet access through their own Wi-Fi systems on board. So, how does a plane’s onboard Wi-Fi system manage to get data up there?
There are three main technologies: Air to Ground Transmission (ATG), Ku-Band Service, and Ka-Band Service.
Air to Ground Transmission (ATG)
ATG is one of the ways to get inflight Wi-Fi, but it’s not the fastest option out there. This system uses two antennas on the bottom of the aircraft that receive signals from ground-based cell towers. Once activated, the aircraft picks up signals from various towers, and passengers can access the internet via a Wi-Fi router.
However, ATG has its limitations. The internet speed is relatively slow, around 3 megabytes per second, and can be unstable. If you’re flying over the sea or areas without cell towers, you won’t be able to use Wi-Fi. Compared to a mobile 4G LTE system, which can provide speeds up to 35 megabytes per second, ATG falls short.
Ku-Band Service
Ku-Band Service is a satellite-based technology that offers a significant speed boost, with internet speeds reaching up to 50 megabits per second. The “Ku” stands for a German word meaning shortwave frequency, and the “U” signifies that the frequency lies “Under” the original NATO K-Band range.
A ground-based transmitter sends the signal to a satellite, which is then received by a special aircraft antenna. The airplane server decodes the signal and distributes it to passengers via the Wi-Fi router. While this system is faster than ATG, it can still be relatively slow on large commercial aircraft like Boeing 737 or Airbus A320, where many passengers might be accessing Wi-Fi simultaneously. Time delays and reduced speed can occur if multiple aircraft are transmitting on the same satellite.
Ka-Band Service
Ka-Band Service is another satellite-based system, offering the fastest Wi-Fi service available to airliners, with speeds up to 70 Mbit/s. Some aircraft even use a hybrid receiver that switches between Ka-Band and Ku-Band to ensure the best signal strength.
This system is great for stable internet connections, even allowing passengers to stream movies from platforms like Netflix. However, it’s worth noting that these services aren’t always free on most airlines, and there may be data limitations.
The Cost of Connectivity
Onboard Wi-Fi isn’t just about convenience; it’s also about cost. The bulky antenna fitted on top of an aircraft, similar to a TV satellite dish but with the ability to move and adjust to the nearest satellite, is expensive to install and maintain. It adds extra weight to the plane and can affect aerodynamics, leading to increased fuel consumption.
I hope this clears up how you can enjoy Wi-Fi while on a plane. If it happens to be slow, don’t point fingers at Globe or Smart, as they’re not the ones providing the service in this situation.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
