In-flight Internet Connectivity

GS 3 – Science and technology

Context: Tata Group’s Air India has announced the provision of free in-flight internet services on both domestic and international flights.

Connectivity Technologies:
In-flight internet is facilitated by two primary technologies: air-to-ground (ATG) and satellite-based connectivity. Both require special antennae to be installed on the aircraft.

1. Air-to-Ground (ATG) Technology:
   • An antenna, typically mounted on the aircraft’s belly, receives signals from the nearest ground-based cellular tower or receiver.
   • The limitation of ATG technology is that it relies on the proximity of ground towers, meaning it works best only when the aircraft is within range of these towers.
2. Satellite-based Connectivity:
   • This system uses an antenna mounted on the top of the aircraft, offering a wider coverage area and more reliable service, especially when flying over regions that lack ground towers.
   • Wi-Fi antennae are also placed inside the cabin to receive signals from passengers’ devices and connect them to the server via either ATG or satellite transmission.

Challenges:

• Slower Speeds: Despite the availability of these technologies, in-flight Wi-Fi is generally slower than traditional ground-based internet connections. This is due to the complex nature of data transmission and potential network congestion in the air.