SA may soon surf in the sky

Johannesburg - South African air travellers will be able to connect to the internet on long haul and domestic flights this year, according to internet service provider WirelessG.

The company said on Monday it is ready to supply the required technology to airlines, and is already in talks with the Civil Aviation Authority for the necessary approval.

The announcement came after WirelessG struck an exclusive agreement with US-based company Row 44, which already provides in-flight WiFi internet access on other airlines.

WirelessG CEO Carel van der Merwe said his company is negotiating with local airlines.

"We aim to launch the Fli G-Connect service on the first appropriately equipped aircraft during 2010," Van der Merwe said.

"Because Row 44's in-flight broadband system is satellite-based, WirelessG and Row 44 will be able to provide African airlines' passengers with uninterrupted high-speed connectivity in-flight, no matter where they fly - including flights across multiple countries and over water."

He said the access price will depend on the airline, but should be on par with international trends.

- Fin24.com