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Row 44's CES Hype Doesn't Equal In-Flight Internet

In-flight WiFi provider Row 44 churned out the hype at this year's CES in Las Vegas, going so far as to bring a Grumman seaplane to host trial flights above the city for at least one journalist. But what would really impress us is if Row 44 could actually get its system up and running on a commercial flight.

See, Row 44 has been talking about how its satellite-based offering is superior to Gogo's cellular signal since at least 2007. But despite a promise from Southwest that planes would be internet-ready by 2008, we've yet to see that. Meanwhile, in September 2007, Alaska Airlines planned to have its whole 114-aircraft fleet outfitted by the end of 2009. At this point, one plane would be progress.

At CES, Row 44 claimed that trials on both airlines will start this month. But now that the company is officially the Thompson Hotels of airborne internet, we're not holding our breath. But with pricing rumored to be $6 for hand-held devicess and $8 for laptops, we'd love to give it a try. Maybe in 2010?

Related Stories:
· Row 44 Web Access for Airlines Gets a Test Flight [LA Times]
· Think the Guy in the Next Seat Is Annoying Now? [NYT Bits Blog]
· In-Flight WiFi: Best Amenity Ever Or Necessary Evil? [Jaunted]

[Photo: Marco Wessel]