ViaSat Ka Band WiFi - which birds?
Jul 9, 2014, 12:22 am
#1
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ViaSat Ka Band WiFi - which birds?
So, where can the super fast ViaSat Ka Band WiFi be found? The only article I can find that mentions it with specifics lists only 3 tail numbers, but that was back in February.
Specifically, this article states "Update: As of today, United's 737-900s with tail numbers N75425, N75435 and N38451 are equipped with ViaSat WiFi."
Has anyone actually used this new high-speed WiFi? Does it work well? How can you tell which planes have it?
Specifically, this article states "Update: As of today, United's 737-900s with tail numbers N75425, N75435 and N38451 are equipped with ViaSat WiFi."
Has anyone actually used this new high-speed WiFi? Does it work well? How can you tell which planes have it?
Jul 9, 2014, 12:28 am
#2
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still in http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...a-testing.html
Data on specific aircraft can be found on the 739 page of The United Airlines Fleet Website
Data on specific aircraft can be found on the 739 page of The United Airlines Fleet Website
Jul 9, 2014, 12:39 am
#3
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I was able to slingbox (thru VPN) and watch the NHL playoffs when flying ORD-HKG a few weeks ago. The video was ok but no where near high def it also did buffer a few times. I've had similar results on the airbuses, as I think its the same system on the 747 and A3XX.
Contrast that with a 739 I flew last week, I was able to slingbox and watch my directv in high def (of course it was a dark 739) again via VPN. my seatmate was watching a movie in hd from netflix without any issues either (once again via VPN since UA blocks it).
Just my 2 cents.
Jul 9, 2014, 5:15 am
#4
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still in http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...a-testing.html
Data on specific aircraft can be found on the 739 page of The United Airlines Fleet Website
Data on specific aircraft can be found on the 739 page of The United Airlines Fleet Website
To be clear, there are two versions of WiFi apparently flying around right now. One is the older, slower, Ku Band (used by both GoGo and Panasonic). And the newer one is Ka band. The specific question is around the ViaSat Ka Band version of WiFi, not the older Panasonic Ku band. (See http://www.nycaviation.com/2013/09/i.../#.U70kGo1dXU4 for detail).
Specifically, the ViaSat version promises 12mbps PER PASSENGER. Apparently this is in testing on United but I can't figure out which birds it's on.
I really want to fly on a plane that has 12mbps per seat! Sounds amazing...
Jul 9, 2014, 5:23 am
#5
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You'll find the ViaSat version on the United 737's currently. ViaSat is limited to the continental US from what I understand, so they're indicated as "MAINLAND" WiFi on the United Fleet site linked above.
The WiFi on the 737's is significantly better than on the Airbus fleet. It's much faster and seems to be more reliable.
The WiFi on the 737's is significantly better than on the Airbus fleet. It's much faster and seems to be more reliable.
Jul 9, 2014, 6:02 am
#6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RdFltErr
Has anyone actually used this new high-speed WiFi? Does it work well? How can you tell which planes have it?
I've used UA's wifi rather extensively.
I was able to slingbox (thru VPN) and watch the NHL playoffs when flying ORD-HKG a few weeks ago. The video was ok but no where near high def it also did buffer a few times. I've had similar results on the airbuses, as I think its the same system on the 747 and A3XX.
Contrast that with a 739 I flew last week, I was able to slingbox and watch my directv in high def (of course it was a dark 739) again via VPN. my seatmate was watching a movie in hd from netflix without any issues either (once again via VPN since UA blocks it).
Just my 2 cents.
Originally Posted by RdFltErr
Has anyone actually used this new high-speed WiFi? Does it work well? How can you tell which planes have it?
I've used UA's wifi rather extensively.
I was able to slingbox (thru VPN) and watch the NHL playoffs when flying ORD-HKG a few weeks ago. The video was ok but no where near high def it also did buffer a few times. I've had similar results on the airbuses, as I think its the same system on the 747 and A3XX.
Contrast that with a 739 I flew last week, I was able to slingbox and watch my directv in high def (of course it was a dark 739) again via VPN. my seatmate was watching a movie in hd from netflix without any issues either (once again via VPN since UA blocks it).
Just my 2 cents.
Jul 9, 2014, 8:45 am
#7
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Muchos gracias.
Jul 9, 2014, 12:51 pm
#8
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Jul 9, 2014, 12:57 pm
#9
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Do you allow Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections?
Yes, you can access your corporate network if you have access to a VPN client and a firewall. However, we cannot guarantee that the VPN will not be dropped if there are brief, intermittent losses in connectivity. As with any wireless communication, VPNs are not inherently secure. Therefore, United recommends that you take appropriate measures to ensure the security of your wireless connections.
Do you block any ports that I may use (SMTP, telnet, RDP, Peer-to-Peer)?
We may block Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), but all other ports remain open.
Why can't I use Netflix or other streaming video websites?
Live video and Internet streaming services are not supported. Streaming video from a website requires extensive bandwidth and will not work as well on a plane as it does on the ground
Yes, you can access your corporate network if you have access to a VPN client and a firewall. However, we cannot guarantee that the VPN will not be dropped if there are brief, intermittent losses in connectivity. As with any wireless communication, VPNs are not inherently secure. Therefore, United recommends that you take appropriate measures to ensure the security of your wireless connections.
Do you block any ports that I may use (SMTP, telnet, RDP, Peer-to-Peer)?
We may block Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), but all other ports remain open.
Why can't I use Netflix or other streaming video websites?
Live video and Internet streaming services are not supported. Streaming video from a website requires extensive bandwidth and will not work as well on a plane as it does on the ground
Jul 9, 2014, 1:01 pm
#10
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On a 320 SEA-ORD last Thursday I measured download speeds of over 10 mbps. Upload was considerably slower (<1 mbps). Connection was solid the entire flight.
Jul 9, 2014, 1:15 pm
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They are looking to protect DirecTV revenues.
Last edited by glx; Jul 9, 2014 at 1:59 pm
Jul 9, 2014, 3:36 pm
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