Lufthansa is planning to launch broadband internet connection services on its laung haul routes by early next year, a company spokesperson confirmed to vnunet.com.
The airline is currently in the final stage of its request for proposals and was unable to provide any information on its partners. The Wall Street Journal reported that T-Mobile will provide the network connectivity.
The system is expected to cost about $100m.
In addition to Wi-Fi access for notebook computers, the system will also support cellular data traffic for SMS and email services. Voice communications won't be allowed, as the airline fear that loud conversations will annoy passengers.
The airline last year axed its in-flight Wi-Fi service when Boeing pulled the plug on the its Connexion broadband internet offering. The aircraft manufacturer wrote off $320m in investments and operating costs, citing a lack of demand. Connexion charged up to $29.95 per flight.
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