Ever wonder how in-flight internet works? Most homes and businesses leverage a landline connection. Internet service providers (ISPs) run copper or fiber optic lines to their customers, which carry data. Airplanes, of course, don’t have a landline connection, so they rely on alternative methods like air-to-ground (ATG) and satellite connections.
What Is ATG Internet?
ATG internet is a type of internet service that involves the use of cell towers to send and receive data wirelessly. It’s the same technology used for mobile broadband connections. When you access a web page on your smartphone — using your broadband connection and not WiFi –you’ll download the web page over an ATG connection.
Many airplanes also use ATG to provide their passengers with internet access. Antennas on the ground exchange data with antennas mounted on the airplanes.
What Is Satellite Internet?
Satellite internet, on the other hand, is a type of internet service that involves the use of Earth-orbitting satellites to send and receive data wirelessly. It’s been around since the mid-1990s, with the first satellite internet service pioneered by Hughes Network Systems. Since then, many other companies have launched their own satellite internet services.
Airplanes use these services to provide their passengers with fast and reliable internet. After signing up for a satellite internet service, an airline may install one or more satellites on its airplanes.
Differences Between ATG and Satellite Internet
Neither ATG nor satellite internet requires a landline connection. Therefore, they are popular choices among commercial airlines. But there are still some key differences between ATG and satellite internet, such as the coverage.
Satellite internet typically offers greater coverage than ATG internet. For ATG internet to work, the airplane must be within range of a ground tower. If there are no ground towers nearby, it will have a weak or nonexistent connection. Airplanes flying over oceans, for instance, may struggle to maintain a strong connection with ATG.
Not only does it offer greater coverage, but satellite internet is typically faster as well. Speeds vary depending on many factors, but passengers can expect faster download and upload speeds when using satellite internet than ATG internet. With ATG, the farther an airplane is from a ground tower, the slower the connection will be.
Because it leverages existing infrastructure, ATG internet is cost-effective. It costs less for commercial airlines to install and use than satellite internet systems.
