Wifi Up High

Boeing announced its plan to offer in-flight internet connectivity:

The flat rate, which would give a user unlimited Internet access, will cost $29.95 for flights lasting longer than six hours. Each three- to six-hour leg will be charged at $19.95, while access on trips under three hours would cost $14.95.

That's no free hotspot at the local coffee shop, to be sure, but I was expected something far more pricey. I mean, doesn't it cost like $20 to make a 4 minute phone call in the air?



One weird detail ... the initial plan is for wireless and they hope to offer Ethernet later on. Seems a tremendous expense to go around laying wires to every seat for people who will only have laptops.