Boeing abandons in-flight Internet service

A little over a month ago there were reports that United Airlines had begun to install in-flight wireless broadband service in the Boeing 757 aircraft in its fleet. At that time, United said that it was "evaluating several systems" for offering broadband service domestically over an air-to ground link, and internationally through a satellite link.

Looks like Connexion by Boeing definintely will not be in the running for United's on-board WiFi.

An AFP news service article published today on Breitbart.com and elsewhere says that Boeing is abandoning its Connexion unit after it failed to win enough support from airlines.

"Over the last six years, we have invested substantial time, resources and technology in Connexion by Boeing," Boeing chief executive Jim McNerney said in a statement.

"Regrettably, the market for this service has not materialized as had been expected. We believe this decision best balances the long-term interests of all parties with a stake in Connexion by Boeing," he said.

Boeing said in June that it was reviewing the future of the service, which enabled passengers on Connexion-equipped flights to access the Internet over a satellite-based broadband connection.

Only 11 airlines had signed up for the service. Most of those were Asian carriers flying long-haul.

Source: Boeing abandons in-flight Internet service - Breitbart.com

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