Looks like we can kiss Verizon JetConnect goodbye sometime this summer. I wonder if they'll add another layer of stickers on the airfone faceplates (two exist now -- one covering the old AT&T logos and one promoting JetConnect). I never really cared for this service, and it seemed outdated before they rolled it out. Hopefully this inflight wifi will make some big improvements, but with so many airfone equiped planes amongst so many carriers I'd imagine the installation process will be pretty lengthy. I'm assuming they'll have to make the switch from an analog to a digital infrastructure alltogether.


From a Verizon email:

There's been a lot of talk lately about providing high-speed Internet access in the skies — the same services that we all enjoy on the ground. Verizon Airfone has been providing inflight communications for over 20 years, and we are diligently working to bring you the next generation of inflight communications services.

In 2002, we introduced JetConnectSM — the first inflight email, IM and text messaging service offered in the US. JetConnect played an important and exciting role in bringing laptop computer connectivity to the skies. We are now focused on bringing you the next generation service - wireless high-speed Internet access*, including VPN support to enable connections to secure networks and corporate email. To help meet that goal, Verizon Airfone has made the decision to transition JetConnect out of service in the next few months.

Airfone® Service including domestic and international voice calling, Airfone Service for Verizon Wireless, and 1-800 USE THE VZ (the only collect calling service in the skies) remain in place and available for your use. For information on our services, please visit us at Verizon.com/Airfone.

Thank you for your interest in Verizon Airfone. We look forward to providing you with many new ways to communicate in the future.