Originally Posted by
13901
The thing is, the leap from providing free messaging on shorthaul to free, unlimited, high speed internet is not an evolutionary step, it's a quantum leap.
The EAN network on shorthaul doesn't use satellite bandwidth (apart from a very small S-Band antenna), it basically leverages the 4/5G network from the ground. And the data speed used by messaging apps is minuscule compared to the data used for video.
Indeed, so it's unlikely the EAN network will be competitive over the medium term given changing expectations from customers.
Given the United announcement, sounds like Viasat will have some spare capacity with their GEO's so they could offer a BA deal similar to what they've offered Qantas - from next year QF pax will enjoy free wifi fast enough to live stream. Viasat has new capacity launching soon, and will need to become more competitive in the IFC marketplace given their debt load. They've also lost Qatar to Starlink too.