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Dec. 10, 2007

JetBlue Airlines will begin testing in-flight wireless connectivity on Dec. 11.

In partnership with RIM (Research in Motion) and Yahoo, JetBlue has been working on the test plan for months now.

On its test flight, called BetaBlue, flyers with laptops and Wi-Fi-enabled devices will be able to check e-mail and instant messaging through Yahoo.

However, Internet surfing and e-mail attachments will not be allowed due to bandwidth constraints. JetBlue calls this "limited access".

The plane, an Airbus A-320, has also been used to test new entertainment services offered through JetBlue's subsidiary, LiveTV.

For the BetaBlue flight, JetBlue will be using wireless spectrum that LiveTV bought from the FCC last year for $7 million.

Overall, customers with either of the two BlackBerry models that have Wi-Fi will be able to check other e-mail accounts using those devices.

The first wireless JetBlue test flight is scheduled for tomorrow, on Flight 641 from New York to San Francisco.

JetBlue believes that it will not violate federal regulations because the wireless network uses Wi-Fi and not cellular signals.

JetBlue also currently offers free Wi-Fi in its terminal at JFK Airport in New York.

For passenger security measures, the use of laptops and wireless devices will not be allowed during takeoff and landing.

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Source: Wireless Week