Google gives free WiFi to US flyers

By Michael Flux, November 9 2010
Google gives free WiFi to US flyers

Those travelling through the States on domestic flights will soon have access to free Wi-Fi internet. Google is offering free in-flight internet on all Airtran, Delta and Virgin America flights within the US from November 20 until January 2, 2011.

Free Wi-Fi will be accessible on a total of 700 aircraft throughout the two-month period, offered as a promotion of Google's browser, Google Chrome, though passengers will be able to use any browser they like while they fly. All wireless devices will be able to pick up and use the signal.

Flyers will be connected to American provider Gogo Inflight Internet. Gogo sells in-flight internet to customers at $11 for 24 hours, or $35 per month. Essentially, American flyers are getting a two-month connection with Gogo for free.

No doubt Google can afford to spend that kind of money for positive PR. When flyers login to the airborne internet, they'll be taken to a starting page promoting Google, offering plenty of information about Chrome and encouraging them to download the browser.

Google had a similar offer last year in promotion of its search engine, with 47 American airports given free wireless access in November and December of 2009. For this year, the freebie is limited to aircraft.

Want to know more? Read our superguide: Inflight internet - what you need to know.


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