tech
Our Last Wi-Fi-Less Refuge Is Gone
Subpar connectivity on airplanes was a gift, in a way.
TL;DR
- Airlines like United, Delta, JetBlue, and Alaska are rolling out high-speed, free Wi-Fi using satellite technology (Starlink, Amazon Leo).
- This new Wi-Fi offers an internet experience similar to what's available on the ground, allowing for social media, online games, and potentially video calls.
- Previously, in-flight Wi-Fi was slow, often unreliable, and primarily used geostationary satellites, while new systems use closer low-Earth-orbit satellites for reduced lag.
- The ability to be unreachable on a plane was a unique luxury, offering a break from constant connectivity and digital demands.
- Some people find value in enforced digital detoxes, with apps and devices designed to block distractions, a benefit previously provided by subpar airplane Wi-Fi.
- The shift to constant connectivity on planes may lead to a future where passengers miss the enforced disconnection of the past.
- Being disconnected on a plane offered opportunities for reflection, conversation with strangers, or simply enjoying the experience without external demands.