Virgin America VoIPs planes with AirCell

AirCell, an airborne broadband firm in Louisville, Colo., said it has cut a deal with Virgin America to install hotspots on the airline's planes in 2008. AirCell announced a similar arrangement last month for with American Airlines.

FierceBroadbandWireless reported the Virgin deal was in progress in mid-August, awaiting regulatory approval. AirCell was named a Fierce 15 winner for that sister publication in July.

AirCell has a nationwide 3 MHz network created from spectrum it won in FCC auctions last year. Another firm, Starling of Yoqneam, Israel, is making broadband antennas for aircraft and recently reported successful tests with Skype.

Airborne broadband will soon be a reality as well as a mixed blessing. It could be great for catching uninterrupted work time during those interminable bicoastal flights as long as there are no foghorn-voiced phone conversation addicts seated nearby. 

For More:
- AirCell announces the Virgin America partnership here
- AirCell's American deal is summarized here  

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