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Garuda Indonesia to introduce in-flight Wi-Fi
The airline says it is evaluating two technical solutions for in-flight Wi-Fi: cellular networks and satellite connections.
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Touching down: A Garuda Indonesia Airbus A330 lands at Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport in Blang Bintang, Aceh, on July 13, 2021. (AFP/Chaideer Mahyuddin)
G
aruda Indonesia is exploring ways to offer passengers an in-flight Wi-Fi service in response to rising passenger expectations for internet access during flights.
The flag carrier’s state-owned operator, PT Garuda Indonesia, said on Thursday that it was evaluating two technical solutions for in-flight Wi-Fi: cellular networks and satellite connections.
“Since 80 percent of our flights are domestic, the most suitable technical solution is air-to-ground, which leverages cellular infrastructure,” said Garuda Indonesia commercial director Ade R. Susardi, as quoted by bisnis.com.
Read also: Garuda Indonesia urges ministry to revise up airfare price ceiling
However, the airline was still facing regulatory hurdles, Ade highlighted, as there was no regulation in place for the specific frequency needed for cellular-network-based Wi-Fi.
“We are currently waiting for legislation that will allow the use of this particular frequency for cellular services,” he added.
Ade did not rule out the possibility of using satellite technology instead of relying on cellular networks, despite the higher costs that would incur.
