VOIP in the air?
Jan 22, 2010 | 4:36 pm
#1
Original Poster
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VOIP in the air?
Forgive me if there's a long thread about this already. With mid-air internet availability growing, I have to wonder whether VOIP is allowed on the plane. I haven't seen any official restrictions or notices. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places. I think whether one should be allowed to VOIP on the plane from a social disturbance standpoint is perhaps a matter for a separate thread. I'm just wondering if it's technically permitted. If not, by whom?
Jan 22, 2010 | 4:50 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2001
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I believe that the internet providers can/do block the ports and or sites that allow VOIP to work. It should not be difficult to block at the router or site filter level. Even without the annoyance factor, they probably don't want a few people monopolizing the bandwidth.
Jan 22, 2010 | 5:07 pm
#4
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They block VOIP calls.
But, as to be expected, somebody figured an easy way around it
http://www.wired.com/autopia/2008/08/despite-airline/
That is an older story, so don't know if it's still valid or not
But, as to be expected, somebody figured an easy way around it
http://www.wired.com/autopia/2008/08/despite-airline/
That is an older story, so don't know if it's still valid or not
Jan 22, 2010 | 5:11 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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No, it is not.
According to Gogo (inflight service provider) using VoIP onboard is prohibited by FCC regulations.
According to Gogo (inflight service provider) using VoIP onboard is prohibited by FCC regulations.
Jan 22, 2010 | 5:14 pm
#6
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Any passenger certainly can ignore rules (e.g. smoking ban, switching-off cell phones, etc.) but be prepared to face the consequences.
Nerd, yes, I think you are right. The FAQ mentions VoIP is prohibited but doesn't specify whether this is their own or FCC rule.
Nerd, yes, I think you are right. The FAQ mentions VoIP is prohibited but doesn't specify whether this is their own or FCC rule.
Last edited by luitje; Jan 22, 2010 at 5:19 pm
Jan 22, 2010 | 6:27 pm
#7
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Even if you can work around the blocks, youll still likely have some latency issues.
Jan 22, 2010 | 7:17 pm
#8
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And yes - it is blocked, and in addition it's normal practice for Aircell (the company that operates the service) to monitor the traffic being sent over the wireless link from each aircraft, and block any "suspicious" traffic in real time. If you were using a VPN then this would probably be very difficult to detect, but it certainly adds a lot of obstacles. In addition you have the human factor of the passengers around you objecting
Jan 23, 2010 | 6:12 pm
#10
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Jan 23, 2010 | 6:12 pm
#11
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I've used VOIP over both EVDO and HSPA. Sometimes it is good enough, but not always. I haven't hesitated to call Mom from overseas this way, but I wouldn't call a business client. When it works well, you are basically stationary. Walking around a hotel room is fine, riding on a train is usually not.
My understanding is that GoGo basically ties into the ground based cellular network using multi channel EVDO connections so I assume the connection would be similar.
My understanding is that GoGo basically ties into the ground based cellular network using multi channel EVDO connections so I assume the connection would be similar.