Airline says its new free Wi-Fi is fast enough for streaming video.
Airline Wi-Fi is notoriously slow, inconsistent and expensive. But JetBlue is luring passengers with Wi-Fi that they say solves all three problems.
This week, the airline is rolling out a new free Wi-Fi service on many of its planes, according to PC World. JetBlue’s “Fly-Fi” service was developed in collaboration with Internet provider ViaSat, and will also rely on a partnership with Amazon to offer Prime subscribers music and free video streaming.
Passengers who are not subscribers will be able to rent or buy Amazon content. Unlike other airlines, that store a limited amount of content and let passengers stream it, the JetBlue Wi-Fi will allow access to the full Amazon catalogue of movies, songs, and other offerings.
JetBlue says the Wi-Fi will offer between 12 and 20 Mbps, and passengers will be able to use it on multiple devices as well as on the airline’s seatback entertainment. Passengers may be charged a fee for some activities that pull more bandwith.
Other airlines are also investing in improved Wi-Fi service. Virgin America is also working with ViaSat and has started offering faster service on some flights.
JetBlue plans to offer the service on all of its planes by the end of 2016.
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