March 8th, 2010
Low-cost domestic airline Mango will be the first South African carrier to offer in-flight internet access with WiFi, accroding to Fin24.com
The service is to be launched this year, pending approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Mango CEO Nico Bezuidenhout said the service would cost "less than R1 per megabyte".
"The launch of web connectivity on board our aircraft not only underpins Mango's business objectives but allows travellers, in particular our business guests, to leverage a priceless commodity - time," said Bezuidenhout.
Bezuidenhout said the internet service will be operational across Mango's entire fleet of new-generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft. He added that potentially offensive content would be blocked on board, as people's laptop screens were easily viewed by other passengers.
The technology is being supplied by internet service provider company WirelessG. CEO Carel van der Merwe said the aircraft will connect to the internet using satellite technology, which will provide high-speed internet at altitude.
Subash Devkaran, senior manager of the aircraft certification division of the CAA, said his organisation welcomes the application for wireless internet on board commercial airliners.
"We believe installation of this system would facilitate business efficiency in South Africa, thereby contributing to enhanced economic growth in the country," he said.
User Comments
To charge or not?Submitted by Ian on Mon, 03/08/2010 - 21:00. |
OK chaps, it's simple business don't like it then don't use it. Go to the USA and fly a major carrier like Delta and you are charged for in-flight internet access, this is the norm. The rates seem more than reasonable taking into account the current wireless charges, add the convenience and the fact that you can actually work for at least an hour or so between CT and JHB, bargain. Stop complaining and look at the advantages. There are so many people on this website looking for problems and faults that I think you will make the most awesome traffic cops, always looking at who is doing what wrong. Surely you have better things to do? |
Not a bad idea, but. . .Submitted by Wez on Mon, 03/08/2010 - 16:59. |
We live in South Africa, we are not able to offer all these services for free, but I do believe that the airline should reconsider the amount they charge per megabyte. WirelessG's normal rate is 62c per megabyte. Surely if you are traveling on behalf of your business (@ the expense of your business) R1 per megabyte should not be bad at all. I mean you are on the plane for business and not pleasure. If you are traveling for pleasure or whatever the reason might be, R1 per megabyte is a bit too high according to standards. I would suggest that between weekdays they can keep it to R1 per megabyte seeing that most business flights are during weekdays, they can promote an off peak time over the weekends. Over weekends the youth will most probably be browsing YouTube, Facebook or even download music from online music stores or update applications. Which will definitely make up for the amount of data being used on a normal weekday. Of course there are other fees involved like maintenance, royalties etc. You can't enter an agreement that would have you end up shooting yourself in the foot. I mean they are providing you with a service and hopefully not doing daylight robbery. Only time will tell though. Lets hope they can work something out. |
Why should it be freeSubmitted by Anonymous on Mon, 03/08/2010 - 15:47. |
i think you will switch anyway.. its still cheaper than our cell networks can do... lets see if it actually happens though... |
You've got to be joking!!!Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 03/08/2010 - 15:22. |
Offering internet access onboard is an excellent idea, but to actually charge for it is ludicrous! |
Too expensive!Submitted by Juan on Mon, 03/08/2010 - 14:49. |
R1 per meg is a rip off!! They should make it FREE! - It will give them the advantage over other airlines!! |
