WiFi on both Kulula and Mango Flights

[LCBXX]

I read on IOL that Mango now also offers the service for a price which makes me wonder:
What would then stop me from firing up my laptop/mobile and connecting via internal 3G as opposed to using their WiFi? Surely they won't be able to tell the difference on face value?

 

[Quey_Quick]

Too true and if your 3G is built in, there is no dongle for them to even see.

 

[APoc184]

I think getting a signal up their is almost impossible.

They use different tech to allow access to the net.

And I might be completely wrong. In that case. /flamesuite on

 

[LCBXX]

I think getting a signal up their is almost impossible.

They use different tech to allow access to the net.

And I might be completely wrong. In that case. /flamesuite on

Good point. Will test it in October when I fly again. I have no idea whether GSM has a reach of 9KM @ 600Km/h, if domestic 737's go that high/fast.

 

[The_Ogre]

I think getting a signal up their is almost impossible.

They use different tech to allow access to the net.

And I might be completely wrong. In that case. /flamesuite on

Voda/MTN's towers transmit to a range of something like 35k's. Planes do not fly that high.

 

[IzZzy]

Don't they fly at around 35000 feet?

 

[The_Ogre]

Don't they fly at around 35000 feet?

I think so yes, so signal strengh won't be the limiting factor here.

BTW, 35000 feet is just under 11 kilometres

 

[Hook]

Firstly you are not allowed to turn on a cellphone, 3G/GSM modem included, in an airplane. Secondly the antennas on a cell tower are build to radiate or cover the ground around them. Thus most of the signal is not going up into the air and your reception will be bad on an airplane. Also given a the speed of a jet(about 700-950 kph ) it means that you will only be connected to a specific cell tower for a few seconds at most before you need to be handed over to the next tower. It might also cause confusion in the cellphone handover algorithm because you might receive a few cell towers in the air and the algorithm could make the wrong choice to which one you should be handed over causing a dropped connection. Your modem will also have to transmit at full power continuously causing the battery to be drained faster. If I remember correctly none of the 3G/GSM protocols are capable of functioning at more than 200kph.

 

[Hook]

It might work under certain conditions, but it will not be a satisfying surfing experience.

 

[SteveO]

It will only work if the cellular network was designed to radiate up there AND if the network was enabled for high speed mobile access. Though the upper limit for all technologies is something like 650kmh, so it probably wouldnt work in a 747 etc

I know we have tested access on high speed trains to like 400kmh or something.