Technical News Office – You are on a plane and want to finish your work as quickly as possible, but your work is interrupted due to an internet outage. In such a situation, onboard internet is a method through which you can load books on Kindle. Can send emails. You can send photos and videos and many other things can be done via the Internet on board. There are generally two types of Internet systems on board. But during our plane ride, which one is better and where does it come from first. Here we will tell you.
What is Internet on board?
The Internet system on planes is a little different. This is called the In-Flight Internet System. To provide internet connection in airplanes, the help of a satellite Wi-Fi system is used. In this context, antennas are installed above and below the aircraft. These antennas receive signals from satellites orbiting the Earth. To receive these signals, the antenna must constantly change position.
Satellite Wi-Fi system
Onboard Internet systems can be of two types. The first is the Air-to-Ground (ATG) Wi-Fi system or satellite Wi-Fi system, commonly used to provide internet connection on airplanes. ATG systems use the same cell towers used on the ground for communications. Wi-Fi with ATG typically has slow speeds, around 3 Mbps. This means that although the method of providing internet on planes may be slightly different, the speed is generally equal to the speed available on the ground.
Where does the onboard Internet service come from?
German airline Lufthansa is one of the first airlines to offer on-board internet on its flights. Emirates has introduced in-flight Wi-Fi exclusively on its double-decker A380 aircraft. Emirates currently uses SITA OnAir for connectivity. It offers free internet to all users who sign up for its loyalty program.
Starlink presence
Starlink is currently at the forefront of satellite internet. The special thing about Starlink is that with it, users can enjoy high-speed internet connection even at an altitude of 35,000 feet. Starlink plans to speed up in-flight internet with lower cost and more bandwidth. If this becomes possible, airlines will be able to provide free Internet access to passengers.
Onboard Internet Service in India
The Indian government approved the use of internet on board, but due to the pandemic it could not be implemented quickly. But the on-board internet service could start in India in the coming months. These services have become common on international flights, but onboard internet service is not available in Indian airspace due to poor satellite connectivity.
ISRO plans to launch satellite
Let us tell you, ISRO is planning to launch the GSAT-20 satellite by the end of the year. Global satellite communications company Viasat is expected to provide onboard internet connection in India using GSAT-20.
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