ICT Samachar
Many people enjoy flying, as air travel offers a unique experience and holds different significance for different passengers. Children often enjoy looking out the window, while business travelers and professionals may feel frustrated if they cannot work mid-flight due to lack of internet access.
With the increasing demand to stay connected, in-flight Wi-Fi has become more common. Airlines worldwide, including AirAsia, Air France, British Airways, EgyptAir, and Qatar Airways, now offer onboard internet services. Courts in North America, the EU, Asia, and Australia have also allowed mobile communications on aircraft. Both domestic and international flights now commonly provide in-flight Wi-Fi.
But how does Wi-Fi work at 30,000–35,000 feet above the Earth? How does your device receive the network, and to what altitude can mobile phones operate? Let’s explore the technology behind in-flight Wi-Fi.
Technology Behind In-Flight Internet
In-flight connectivity relies mainly on two technologies:
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Air-to-Ground (ATG) systems using ground-based cell towers
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Satellite-based systems
Both methods provide internet access to passengers onboard.
Air-to-Ground (ATG) Technology
ATG uses ground-based cell towers to deliver Wi-Fi to aircraft. Antennas installed on the underside of the plane communicate with cell towers on the ground. The signal is then transmitted to devices inside the aircraft.
The system only works when the flight attendants activate the ATG system. ATG Wi-Fi typically provides speeds of around 10 Mbps, enough for basic browsing, email, and social media. However, ATG works only over land, so flights over oceans or remote areas cannot rely on this method.
Satellite-Based In-Flight Wi-Fi
Airlines also use satellite connectivity, primarily through Ku-band and Ka-band frequencies.
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Ku-band: 12–18 GHz, slower wavelength
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Ka-band: 26–40 GHz, faster wavelength
Both work similarly, linking the plane’s rooftop antenna to nearby satellites. The satellite signal is transmitted to a Wireless Access Portal (WAP) inside the plane—similar to a home Wi-Fi router. Typically, one WAP can serve around 50 passengers.
Satellite-based Wi-Fi works over both land and sea but may not function at the North Pole or South Pole.
How Mobile Phones Work on Planes
Passengers are usually asked to turn off phones or enable Airplane Mode. If phones remain on after takeoff, they can communicate with ground towers until the aircraft moves out of range.
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Signal strength depends on tower coverage, altitude, and aircraft speed.
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Phones can still connect up to around 10,000 feet, depending on conditions.
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Speed of the plane also affects connectivity—planes should ideally fly below 155 miles per hour for mobile calls or messaging to work effectively.
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The metal body of the aircraft can also obstruct cellular signals.
Airplane Mode
Airplane Mode disables all wireless communications on devices, including:
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Cellular connection
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Wi-Fi
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GPS
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Bluetooth
This prevents sending or receiving calls, messages, or data. However, passengers can still use non-transmission functions like the camera, games, or offline apps. Many airlines now provide in-flight Wi-Fi while the cellular network remains disabled.
In summary, in-flight Wi-Fi relies on either ground towers (ATG) or satellite links. ATG works over land, while satellite Wi-Fi works over oceans and continents. Airplane Mode ensures compliance with aviation safety, but passengers can still enjoy onboard internet where available.
This combination of technologies allows modern travelers to stay connected even at cruising altitudes of 30,000–35,000 feet.
