DL Offers Free ViaSat Wi-Fi (2/1/2023) - Will AS Respond?
Jan 9, 2023, 10:30 am
#16
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SEA, NW/DL 1.6Million Miler
Programs: DL 1MM Annual Silver,AS 100K 22-24, AS 75K 15-21
Posts: 4,278
Nope, not likely. As I understand it, Delta had been persuing this with the new wifi provider for a few years now as they promised ample service for all connection inflight. Meanwhile DL's gogoinflight agreements are still intact but ending, which is why they haven't made the full switch as of yet (January 2023). For Alaska, AS has renewed agreement with gogoinflight for a satellite coverage, but still limited to gogo wifi. Other people probably know more about gogowifi and limitation it carries but as far as Im concerned, I don't think gogo can handle every connectivity, nor AS has funds allocated to pay for free wifi for all.
Jiburi
Jiburi
. However, there was a time when you bought cell phones and one would ever imagine needing more than 100 minutes a month. Times are a changing
Jan 9, 2023, 10:53 am
#18
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: AS MVPG 75k
Posts: 79
Jan 9, 2023, 10:56 am
#19
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: AS MVPG 75k
Posts: 79
Nope, not likely. As I understand it, Delta had been persuing this with the new wifi provider for a few years now as they promised ample service for all connection inflight. Meanwhile DL's gogoinflight agreements are still intact but ending, which is why they haven't made the full switch as of yet (January 2023). For Alaska, AS has renewed agreement with gogoinflight for a satellite coverage, but still limited to gogo wifi. Other people probably know more about gogowifi and limitation it carries but as far as Im concerned, I don't think gogo can handle every connectivity, nor AS has funds allocated to pay for free wifi for all.
Jiburi
Jiburi
Jan 15, 2023, 3:42 pm
#20
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SEA, NW/DL 1.6Million Miler
Programs: DL 1MM Annual Silver,AS 100K 22-24, AS 75K 15-21
Posts: 4,278
If everyone had T mobile, we’d be able test how gogo wifi connectivity might be… I somehow dont trust gogo but who knows…..
Jiburi
Jan 15, 2023, 8:06 pm
#21
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: PDX/PHX
Programs: AS 100k, AA MM, HH Dia
Posts: 198
T-Mobile gogo is actually throttled - I pulled the details from the terms in a previous thread... the experience using paid AS wifi and free T-Mobile gogo on AS is a night and day difference. I wouldn't be surprised if they could support the T-Mobile level experience for the whole plane on the satellite equipped planes.
Jan 15, 2023, 10:35 pm
#22
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SEA, NW/DL 1.6Million Miler
Programs: DL 1MM Annual Silver,AS 100K 22-24, AS 75K 15-21
Posts: 4,278
In 2021, This is where Delta decided to abandon gogo….. from onemileatatime
This is likely where AS is currently, and with current gogo, not likely.
jiburi
Delta in general invests more in its inflight experience than American and United, so it’s not surprising to see that this is an area where Delta is leading as well.
There was only one major issue — after conducting some tests, it became clear that the Gogo 2Ku Wi-Fi Delta has installed on plans simply doesn’t have the bandwidth to support free Wi-Fi for all. After all, usage increases significantly when Wi-Fi is free.
With Gogo seemingly unable to meet Delta’s needs, the airline started looking elsewhere, which is where Viasat comes into play.
There was only one major issue — after conducting some tests, it became clear that the Gogo 2Ku Wi-Fi Delta has installed on plans simply doesn’t have the bandwidth to support free Wi-Fi for all. After all, usage increases significantly when Wi-Fi is free.
With Gogo seemingly unable to meet Delta’s needs, the airline started looking elsewhere, which is where Viasat comes into play.
jiburi
Jan 18, 2023, 2:39 pm
#24
Join Date: Dec 2015
Programs: AS MVP 100K, DL Platinum,WN A-list, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum
Posts: 264
To be honest the $8 is very decent and some people might not want to pay for it, and that's great!
Just got out of a Delta 752 aircraft and the Wifi cost for the segment is $30!! Ended up subscribing for an entire month as at least 4 more DL transcon coming up in one month.
If it's not for the expiring DL certificate I would definitely go for AS, great chance clearing into F and $8 Wifi (cheaper with AS credit card).
Just got out of a Delta 752 aircraft and the Wifi cost for the segment is $30!! Ended up subscribing for an entire month as at least 4 more DL transcon coming up in one month.
If it's not for the expiring DL certificate I would definitely go for AS, great chance clearing into F and $8 Wifi (cheaper with AS credit card).
Jan 18, 2023, 2:44 pm
#25
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: North Oregon Coast
Programs: AS, AA, BA, HH Gold, Marriott Gold, National EE
Posts: 354
T-Mobile gogo is actually throttled - I pulled the details from the terms in a previous thread... the experience using paid AS wifi and free T-Mobile gogo on AS is a night and day difference. I wouldn't be surprised if they could support the T-Mobile level experience for the whole plane on the satellite equipped planes.
Feb 11, 2023, 6:12 pm
#26
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: San Diego, Ca
Programs: AA 2MM LT PLT; AS MVP Gold75k; HHonors Diamond; IHG PLT
Posts: 3,503
Recently took a business trip to OGG (from SAN), enjoyed free wifi as a T-Mobile customer (grandfathered Sprint everything plan) in both directions. Did not check speeds, but it felt throttled, more than adequate for text and email.