U.S. to Auction Frequencies for In-Flight Internet Use

US TO AUCTION FREQUENCIES FOR IN-FLIGHT INTERNET USE
[SOURCE: New York Times, AUTHOR: Ken Belson]
Many fliers look forward to boarding planes so they can get away from their phones and e-mail. That sanctuary will inch one step closer to oblivion today when the Federal Communications Commission begins to auction off frequencies for in-flight Internet service. Nine companies, including Verizon Airfone, which pioneered pay phones in the air, are expected to enter bids for the two licenses available. The companies have developed a variety of technologies that effectively create wireless networks on planes so fliers can use their laptops to surf the Web or to make calls with voice-over-Internet technology. The auction will not advance the on-board use of conventional cellphones, which use other frequencies and are still prohibited in the air. The winners of the auction, which could take several days to complete, would still have to persuade financially pressed American carriers to install their equipment. They would also have to figure out whether and how to divide the revenue that the technology may generate.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/10/technology/10spectrum.html
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