American to first test broadband service

Passengers will have high-speed Internet connection, VPN access and e-mail for laptops and PDAs in an experimental program by American Airlines with AirCell LLC.

American signed a letter of intent with AirCell this summer. Tests will start on the carrier’s 767-200s next year. For the service, American will install three antennas outside the aircraft. They will receive a signal within the continental United States through AirCell’s cellular telephone antennas. The signals received inside the cabin will be 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi signals.

“This is part of our continuing effort to enhance the travel experience for out customers and meet their evolving needs,” said Dan Garton, the airline’s executive vice president of marketing. The airline pointed out that it was also the first carrier to liberalize its mobile phone policies within the cabin, and introduce global satellite phone service on international flights.

The technology when implemented next year will be available in all classes for a small fee. If the test is successful, American plans to roll out the system throughout its domestic fleet.