Southwest Airlines has announced it will use satellite connectivity from Viasat to provide in-flight WiFi services.
According to the airline, all new aircraft delivered from this fall onward will be equipped with Viasat’s next-generation Ka-band satellite in-flight connectivity (IFC) system.
Viasat’s next-generation system is expected to deliver speeds typically greater than 20 Mbps, enabling passengers to stream video, watch live television, use productivity applications, and access social platforms during flights.
Many current in-flight WiFi solutions that rely on ground towers can suffer long stretches of weak or no connectivity. Viasat’s satellite network aims to provide more consistent service from takeoff to landing.
Don Buchman, Vice President and General Manager of Commercial Aviation at Viasat, said:
“We admire Southwest Airlines’ deeply customer-centric vision.
The overall passenger experience is enhanced by delivering connectivity inflight that matches the on-ground experience—from streaming your favorite video content to live television and accessing other internet-based applications during all phases of flight.
We look forward to being part of Southwest’s commitment to continually raise the bar.”
Viasat cyberattack
Last month, Viasat’s satellite services in Europe were reportedly disrupted by malware linked to the Russian government. The attack appeared aimed at Ukrainian targets but caused wider impacts across Europe, including taking roughly 5,800 wind turbines in Germany offline.
This week, the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union issued a coordinated statement formally attributing the attack on Viasat to Russia.
The EU described the incident as “an unacceptable cyberattack” and said it reflected a continued pattern of irresponsible behavior in cyberspace connected to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The EU statement said it is “considering further steps to prevent, discourage, deter and respond to such malicious behavior.”
Viasat reported that the cyberattack damaged tens of thousands of terminals beyond repair and that the company has shipped nearly 30,000 replacement routers to customers to restore service.
UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss called the incident “clear and shocking evidence of a deliberate and malicious attack by Russia against Ukraine,” noting the significant consequences for people and businesses across Ukraine and Europe.
“We will continue to expose Russia’s malign behaviour and unprovoked aggression across land, sea, and cyberspace, and ensure it faces severe consequences,” she added.
(Photo by Owen Lystrup on Unsplash)
Looking to revamp your digital transformation strategy? Find out more about Digital Transformation Week events in Amsterdam, California, and London to learn practical strategies for successful digital initiatives.