Etisalat launches wireless access on flights

UAE telecom company Etisalat announced on Monday that it was introducing a service that will allow customers to have high speed wireless access whilst flying.

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This means that existing dial-up and Al Shamil broadband customers will be able to access the Internet on flight through their WiFi-enabled laptops.

"We understand our customers prefer to remain connected wherever they are. In addition to the wireless broadband Internet service –iZone WiFi Hotspots – which customers enjoy, we can now enable our customers to surf the Internet even in the skies. Users now can maximize their productivity in flight by accessing e-mail, chat and accessing their corporate network while relaxing in flight. Business executives, in particular, will find this service to be of great help. This service marks a new phase in the way Etisalat seeks to deliver convenience to its customers," said Senior Manager Abdulla Hashim.

The service will be available to customers in January 2006.