FCC Eases Restrictions on In-Flight Internet Access

The Federal Communications Commission on Friday approved a new set of rules aimed at making it easier for airlines to offer passengers in-flight Internet service.

The agency said it hopes the new rules will cut in half the time it takes to get aircraft Internet services approved. Since 2001, the FCC has approved satellite-based Internet systems for airplanes on an ad-hoc basis. The new rules formalize the application process, which should reduce administrative burdens that have stalled on-board Wi-Fi rollouts in the past.

"Whether traveling for work or leisure, Americans increasingly expect broadband access everywhere they go," FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said in a statement. "These new rules will help airlines and broadband providers offer high-speed Internet to passengers, including by accelerating by up to 50 percent the processing of applications to provide broadband on planes. This will enable providers to bring broadband to planes more efficiently, helping passengers connect with friends, family, or the office."

Instead of having to license on-board Internet systems on an ad-hoc basis, airlines will now be able to simply test the technology to ensure it meets FCC standards and does not interfere with any aircraft systems. From there, airlines will need to get approval from the Federal Aviation Administration, which oversees the safety of in-flight systems.

The FCC said the new rules should increase the availability of on-board Wi-Fi.

For years now, travelers have been instructed to turn off all electronic devices before takeoff and landing, while Internet connectivity has been limited to the in-flight Wi-Fi provided by certain airlines. Many have questioned whether this is entirely necessary, and the FCC in December during flights.

At this point, the FCC allows for the use of in-flight data and voice services via dedicated air-to-ground frequencies that were previously used for the seat-back phones. The use of cellular phones in the 800 MHz band or other wireless devices on flights, however, is prohibited by the FCC because of potential interference with wireless networks on the ground.

In 2004, the commission opened a proceeding that investigated whether or not to lift that ban. But the proceeding was terminated in 2007 because the evidence submitted by interested parties was not enough to convince the FCC that lifting the ban would be safe.

The FAA, meanwhile, bans the use of in-flight wireless devices - and regulates the use of portable electronic devices - because of possible interference with the plane's navigation and communication systems. In March, the FAA said it was going to at the use of electronics on planes.