If your work travel frequently involves short regional hops, get ready for Wi-Fi service that's better than what folks soaring in larger planes are using. After announcing a deal with SpaceX late last year, United Airlines has begun installing Starlink satellite Wi-Fi hardware in its fleet of aircraft.
The switchover is expected to bring wireless internet speeds of up to 250Mbps, which is comparable to some terrestrial internet services and 50 times faster than what's offered in current regional aircraft. In addition to broader bandwidth, the equipment being put into planes weighs less and is easier to install than other aircraft Wi-Fi systems.
Wi-Fi access will also be free for United MileagePlus customers.
Less weight, more bandwidth
United started assembling its Wi-Fi future with new Starlink hardware this week in a maintenance hangar adjacent to the Nashville International Airport. Technicians installed the first Starlink equipment onto an Embraer E175, a workhorse aircraft that runs regional routes. United estimates it will outfit 40 similar regional aircraft per month through the end of the year.
Technicians install antenna hardware as part of outfitting a plane with Starlink Wi-Fi system.
UnitedThe Starlink equipment, which weighs 85 pounds, including an antenna, power supply unit, wireless access points and reinforcement structure, takes 8 hours to install, according to United. The full installation and testing period grounds the aircraft for three to four days. That's compared with competing Wi-Fi equipment that can weigh in excess of 300 pounds and keep a plane out of commission for 10 days or longer. The Starlink hardware's smaller footprint is expected to increase fuel efficiency in each plane.
During the installation, older existing equipment is completely removed.
"Our ability to roll out this innovative service with unprecedented speed and scale is a direct result of the advanced equipment, technology and team of experts at United," Grant Milstead, United's vice president of digital technology, said in a statement.
More bandwidth, more communication
The increase in bandwidth will mean improved inflight entertainment experiences for passengers -- imagine streaming videos or games from the services you subscribe to directly.
According to United, Starlink's gear should provide more reliable service. It uses inter-satellite laser link technology that switches among overhead low-Earth orbit satellites to maintain better communication. Another advantage Starlink provides is that passengers can connect to the internet from gate to gate, meaning they don't have to wait until the plane is in the air.
Data-hungry passengers won't be the only ones benefiting from the Starlink Internet access. Expanded bandwidth also means cabin crew should be able to more reliably use their personal devices to message people on the ground. As the installation process ramps up -- which also involves FAA approval for each type of aircraft -- United hopes to move onto mainline aircraft later in the year.
English (US) ·