Internet technology has progressed rapidly over the years. What once was a luxury has become a necessity for most people. The need for instant connectivity is paramount the world over. Now, the internet is not limited to home or office use. People use it on the go with their smartphones and tablets. With unlimited broadband packages, it is possible to get a non-stop connection where you can browse and download all the content you want.
Internet Connectivity: Up in the Air
The importance of internet for businesses has increased and people traveling for business purposes have to stay connected. This is why a number of major airports around the world introduced Wi-Fi connectivity. You can sit in the lounge while waiting for your flight to be announced and access the internet.
To enhance the experience for travelers, several airlines are providing an in-flight internet service. There were many people asking the question about getting internet on board a plane when you are up in the air. The broadband services were bound by wires until wireless connectivity broke through. The use of internet dongles and USB modems for connectivity has changed the scope of using internet. This has made the provision of internet connectivity up in the air possible.
Accessing the Wi-Fi for Utilizing the Internet When Airborne
There are still some limitations preventing the use of internet when airborne to be widespread. Since the broadband signals are obtainable in the air, several airlines have jumped at the opportunity to provide unlimited broadband while a passenger is on board. This way, you can use the internet on your laptop or any handheld device. There are only a few airlines that are providing this service as of now.
There is nothing significantly different about using the internet when you are airborne. Several of the activities that you do on the internet are allowed when you are in a plane.
- You can browse and surf the internet as much as you want
- Check and send emails
- Play games, listen to music/ radio or watch movies, provided you have headphones
- Have text chats through the various email messengers
- Download or upload files or content
The only activity not allowed to passengers is voice and video chatting. That can be done on the plane but it would cause disturbance to the other passengers. Hence, you can see the experience of using the internet when airborne is not much different from using it at home or at work.
For the casual user, it ensures a flight free of boredom. There is plenty to do on the internet. It is particularly useful when you are on a long flight. For business travelers, the internet helps them stay connected with their office on the ground. They can continue doing their work even when they are on board.
How to Access the In-flight Internet
The technology used for enabling in-flight internet is quite simple. Satellites are placed on the ground, facing upwards. They send internet signals towards the sky. Once the plane has reached a certain altitude, the passengers are allowed to start using their gadgets and devices. Usually, you can turn on your phone and laptop once the plane has reached 10,000 feet.
You may be marveling at the wonders of technology that have made this possible. However, connecting to the internet is not complicated at all. All you need to do is click on the icon for internet access on your laptop. You can also connect by opening an internet browser. Either way, make sure that the service provider is listed otherwise you would end up spending a lot of money for getting connected in the air.
To make optimum use of in-flight internet, make sure you charge your laptop’s or iPad’s battery before boarding. You don’t want to lose power during the flight because that would leave you with nothing to do. It is prudent to carry a spare battery or the power cord for charging your gadget.
Conclusion
An ever-growing list of aircraft and airlines are incorporating in-flight internet into their services. Now that you knowhow you can utilize the services of the internet for Wi-Fi accessibility even when you are airborne, use the option to enjoy your flights. There is no need for trying to sleep or talking to a boring stranger while trying to kill time on the plane.
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