On Sundays I offer comments on some of the most interesting information technology stories that I have found on the web that week.  Please feel free to join in the discussion or suggest stories during the week.

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This week’s story is from LiveScience.com and covers the emergence of WiFi on consumer flights!  Check it out here:

LiveScience.com – Wi-Fi in the Sky: In-Flight Internet Takes Off

Almost no one flying with a laptop or smartphone might have expected in-flight Wi-Fi Internet access just several years ago. Now some lucky travelers have experienced free Internet access while flying this holiday season, courtesy of airline partnerships with the likes of Google and eBay.

 

But getting passengers to sign on as paying customers may represent a challenge.

 

Companies offer Internet service on certain airlines by using either satellites or cell towers to provide Wi-Fi connections for travelers. Typically the costs are steep, though some deals are to be found in the short term.

My commentary is just this: while I have never actually gotten to experience WiFi on an airplane yet, I am a long time proponent of ubiquitous Internet access.  I believe that it is high time that we have WiFi EVERYWHERE including planes, trains, and automobiles.  I am very happy to see that it is becoming more common on airplanes. Now if they could only pass a passenger’s Bill of Rights that included the right to enough distance between seats to allow you to actually use a full sized laptop, we might be on to something!

Since there is now a ton of buzz associated with this topic, all Information Professionals should read up on this and form their own opinion.  Hopefully, this can get you started.

What do you think about this topic?  Do you agree or disagree with me? Do you have a recommended news story for next week? Please share your ideas below.

That is my Information Technology Thought of the Day (ITTOD) for November 29, 2009  by Scott Coughlin.

Image Credit: Web Now Blog

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