Tags: FCC, In-Flight, Wi-Fi, FSS
Publication: EWeek.com
Publication Date: 01/02/2013

Image credit: Santi Díaz

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has relaxed restrictions on in-flight Wi-Fi internet access for commercial airlines. The move comes as the FCC attempts to broaden competition in the mobile telecommunications market, and contribute to speed up the offering of internet services onboard aircraft.

Additionally, the action is framed under the FCC’s efforts to modernize and streamline its regulatory requirements. The Commission also formalized Earth Stations Aboard Aircraft (ESAA), which allow aircraft to communicate with Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS) geostationary-orbit (GSO) space stations. This way, carriers can provide faster in-flight broadband services to passengers and crew.

With this ruling, airlines will now be able to test systems that meet FCC standards and, when successful, go directly to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for approval. The FCC will not have to license on-board systems on an ad hoc basis anymore. This reduces the administrative burdens and allows the Commission to process ESAA applications faster.

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