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Should Wi-Fi airlines allow Skype?
5 comments- TAGS:business travel, Wi-Fi
- IT TOPICS:Mobile & Wireless
SANTA BARBARA, CALIF. -- Major U.S. airlines are adding in-flight WiFi service this year, but will block VoIP services like Skype. And they're not answering the big question: Will they eventually figure out a way to let people to make VoIP phone calls over those WiFi connections? Should they?
American Airlines has already started installing the equipment, and plans offer WiFi service on cross country flights. If it's a success (and it will be), they'll roll it out to the rest of the fleet. American has already announced that they'll block any attempted VoIP traffic, but has left the door open to change their minds later.
Southwest has taken a similar position -- it currently plans to block VoIP service, but could add it in the future. The technology Southwest is installing even allows cell phone calls, but the airline is blocking that also and, in any event, it's against FAA regulations.
The problem is that everybody loves yakking on cell phones, but hates it when somebody else is doing it. And that's why the airlines are banning VoIP.
You can use your cell phone or VoIP on busses and trains -- why not airplanes?
Should the airlines allow "talking sections" or calls in Business Class only? Should they schedule VoIP-friendly flights?
Or should they ban calls on all flights and forever?
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