Internet service provider (ISP) WirelessG's plans to introduce in-flight Internet access for the first time in Africa have been delayed by slow-moving industry bodies and unexpected technical considerations.
Earlier this year, the company committed to having the first proof-of-concept aircraft ready by the end of April, or beginning of May. However, the company is still going through the motions of obtaining all the relevant certification from industry bodies.
To this end, the ISP has received approved Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for Boeing 737-700 and 800 from the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). Now it is awaiting approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency, which it expects by 15 August.
WirelessG CEO Carel van der Merwe maintains the industry and relative institutions are just not fast moving, but that the approval by the FAA is a move in the right direction.
However, the product's readiness has also been plagued by other challenges.
Unforeseen hurdles
Introducing broadband technology into a new industry has brought with it some unique challenges, notes the company.
“In some cases, the design of the 737 STCs does not allow for installation on certain aircrafts with a Honeywell Phase III Cockpit Display Unit. Honeywell and Boeing are aware of the situation and are working on a solution,” explains Van der Merwe.
Other airlines have also not yet signed up for the service, but Van der Merwe maintains there has been progress on negotiations. “The process entails a lot of technical considerations - more than what have been anticipated.”
Despite these hurdles, Van der Merwe is adamant the reality of in-flight broadband in SA is inevitable.
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