How will AirCells service differ from that of Connexion?
AirCell is pursuing a cheaper method that could drive more cost-conscious airlines to buy into the service, says Henry Harteveldt of Forrester Research. It uses air-to-ground technology, linking ground cellular towers and an antenna on the aircraft. In Connexion’s satellite system, signals are beamed between satellites and airplanes. Its technology works over land or water, making it ideal for international flights. With no need to rely on satellites, AirCell’s air-to-ground technology would be cheaper to install but limits the service to flights over land. AirCell’s Blumenstein says his company is focused now only on providing service on domestic flights. Q: What is JetBlue planning? A: JetBlue, which won a smaller part of the spectrum in the auction, may introduce a telecommunications service next year. Spokeswoman Jenny Dervin says it could be a broadband Internet service or just text messaging. “We’d prefer to offer it for free,” she says. JetBlue, through its LiveTV division, coul
