iPass, Aircell Partner Up for In-Flight Wi-Fi Roaming

May 14, 2008

iPass inked a roaming partner agreement with Aircell  that will allow iPass enterprise users or individual subscribers to connect over Aircell hotspots on commercial aircraft in flight.

Using the iPassConnect mobility manager software on their laptop or smartphone, iPass customers will have one-click access to the Aircell Gogo network. This news marks Aircell's first roaming partner agreement and effectively bridges a significant gap in nationwide connectivity for iPass' 1,000,000 quarterly users at more than 3,500 companies.

"Mobile workers have become accustomed to high-speed Internet access at home, in hotels and airports, and even in the car, but when they get on planes they have been unable to communicate," said Michael Moore, vice-president of business development, iPass. "Our partnership brings together the new Gogo service with iPass' ability to integrate connectivity with mobility management. Our enterprise customers will be able to keep their employees productive but maintain the necessary policies they need to support their business."

The Aircell Gogo network joins the iPass global virtual wireless broadband network, which includes more than 100,000 business-grade broadband locations (Wi-Fi hotspots and hotel Ethernet), as well as 3G mobile broadband in the U.S., Europe and Asia, and dial-up in more than 160 countries. Pending the necessary integration steps, iPass expects to make the service available to iPass customers later this year.

"This strategic partnership gives Aircell partnered airlines an additional competitive advantage in terms of inflight customer service," said Robin Salem, senior vice president, strategy and business development at Aircell. "More than 1 million quarterly iPass users will have the ability to integrate their on-the-ground and Inflight Internet experiences on Gogo serviced flights, avoiding several steps between 'fasten your seatbelts' and 'going online,'" continued Salem.

Gogo Inflight Internet turns a commercial airplane into a Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling passengers with laptop computers and smartphones to surf the Web, check any e-mail, log on to their corporate VPN and more. Plus, each paid Internet session includes access to The Wall Street Journal Online. Gogo, powered by Aircell, will be available on American Airlines, Virgin America and other airlines later in 2008. The system is designed to provide full data service—voice calls with cell phones and Voice Over IP (Internet Protocol) services will not be available.