Delta tests free Wi-Fi on its flights this month – TechCrunch



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Delta has announced its intention to eventually offer free Wi-Fi on flights. The first step towards this goal, however, is to test it on a handful of planes, starting at the end of the month. As of May 13, the carrier will offer a free service on 55 domestic flights per day.

The idea here is to test the pressure on the system. Currently, the number of passengers actually using the flight service is quite low. Delta's current supplier, Gogo, says it represents about 12% of the passengers of its various airline partners. Obviously, this figure will increase significantly if the service is offered for free.

"Testing is essential to properly implement this very complex program, which requires much more creativity, investment and planning than simple change," said Delta's Onboard Product Manager at The Wall Street Journal.

Although installing and maintaining this service on planes is certainly not cheap, exorbitant prices stand out in a world where many companies offer free access. Like baggage prices, Wi-Fi has become an additional indication of airlines looking to withdraw every penny from its price.

In fact, JetBlue is currently the only major US airline to offer free Internet access to all passengers, but relies on corporate sponsorship to offer this service. Delta did not give a specific date when its own passengers could get free access on a larger scale.

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