Aruda Indonesia is currently exploring ways to offer its passengers on-board Wi-Fi service to meet increasing passenger expectations for in-flight internet access.
The airline’s state-owned operator, PT Garuda Indonesia, announced on Thursday that it was examining two technical solutions for on-board Wi-Fi: cellular networks and satellite connections.
“Since 80 percent of our flights are domestic, the most suitable technical solution is the air-ground solution that uses the mobile network infrastructure,” said Ade R. Susardi, commercial director of Garuda Indonesia, according to bisnis.com.
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However, the airline still faces regulatory hurdles, Ade stressed, as there is no regulation for the specific frequency required for mobile-based Wi-Fi.
“We are currently waiting for legislation that would allow the use of this special frequency for mobile services,” he added.
Ade did not rule out the possibility of using satellite technology instead of mobile networks, despite the higher costs involved.