Airplane mode has been used for many years as a way to block electromagnetic signals from cell phones, which can interfere with aircraft systems.
Because of this, passengers who wanted to use the internet during flights had to pay for access to the airline’s Wi-Fi. But now, thanks to Starlink, the satellite internet service from Elon Musk, that may be about to change.
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Some airlines, like United Airlines, are already incorporating the system. According to a report from The Verge, United staff have been encouraging passengers to use Starlink Wi-Fi.
To access it, travelers must enroll in MileagePlus, the airline’s loyalty program. However, the service is free and, according to the report, is expected to remain that way.
All of this is possible because Starlink operates with satellites in low Earth orbit, meaning the signal doesn’t have to travel long distances like traditional geostationary satellites. Currently, the company has over 7,000 satellites in operation.
United plans to launch its first commercial flights between Chicago and Detroit using Starlink Wi-Fi later this month. The airline intends to install modems in more than 1,000 aircraft in its fleet. The promise is that connection speed will remain stable regardless of how many devices are connected.
Photo and video: Unsplash. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
