ITASCA, Ill., March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- As smartphones like BlackBerry and the iPhone continue to take over the mobile phone market, more and more people are finding that they have wireless broadband Internet access at their fingertips thanks to the addition of Wi-Fi connectivity. Wi-Fi enabled smartphones are on track to grow at twice the rate of mobile phones in the coming years as people increasingly turn to their smartphones for the Internet services that previously chained them to a laptop. Aircell has now launched a new pricing option for Gogo® Inflight Internet service for these ultra-mobile users. Passengers can now connect using their handheld devices for $7.95 on any Gogo-equipped flight of any length.
"Though laptops are increasingly part of travelers' carry-on luggage, Wi-Fi enabled handsets are even more ubiquitous on planes," said Tom Weigman, Executive Vice President, Wireless Services, Aircell. "Our new handheld pricing option enables smartphone users to connect to Gogo at a price that makes sense for their mobile Internet needs. The new pricing option has been well received in its initial days and we look forward to working with our airline partners and their passengers to continue expanding the ways they can access Gogo."
Available on American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Virgin America Gogo-equipped flights, the new $7.95 handheld pricing option allows smartphone users to surf the Web, download entertainment, check e-mail, stay connected to their social networks and basically use their handheld devices to their full extent on the Gogo Inflight Internet service. Laptop users can still connect to Gogo for $12.95 on flights lasting longer than three hours and $9.95 on flights lasting less than three hours.
Gogo pricing and accessibility options continue to expand. Beyond integration with enterprise connectivity services like iPass, Aircell is exploring the addition of daily and monthly Gogo subscriptions in the near future. Additional options will be launched in the coming months, enabling passengers to easily connect on Gogo flights when they want, how they want.
About Aircell
Aircell® is the world's leading provider of airborne communications. As winner of an exclusive FCC frequency license in 2006, Aircell has built a revolutionary mobile broadband network for commercial and business aviation. In 2008, the Aircell Network and its inflight portal, Gogo®, revolutionized the commercial airline passenger flight experience by delivering a robust Internet experience at 35,000 feet. In addition, the Aircell Network provides airlines with connectivity to operations and a path to enhanced cabin services such as video, audio, television and more. A similar feature set is available to Business aircraft operators. Aircell has facilities in Broomfield, Colorado, and Itasca, Illinois. Aircell's vision is to give everyone the ability to stay in touch, in flight®. For more information about Aircell, please visit www.aircell.com.
About Gogo
Gogo®, powered by Aircell, turns a commercial airplane into a Wi-Fi hotspot with true inflight Internet access. Passengers with Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as laptops, smartphones and PDAs, can surf the Web, check e-mail, instant message, access a corporate VPN and more. For more information about Gogo, please visit www.gogoinflight.com.
© 2009 Aircell LLC. Aircell and Gogo are trademarks of Aircell or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
SOURCE: Aircell
Web site: http://www.aircell.com/