In-flight WiFi speeds up

In flight Internet is about to get a big boost with an upgraded satellite service.

Gogo’s 2Ku service received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration this week, clearing the way for it to be installed on commercial airplanes later this year. The new service uses dual-antenna technology - one that links upwards towards the aircraft, the other for a downward link towards the ground. The low profile radome helps reduce drag on the plane.

2Ku can deliver up to 70 Mbps, about 20 times faster than current capacity.

The service will be shared by everyone on the flight so actual speeds will vary depending on how many passengers are using it and whether they’re just checking email or streaming movies.

Gogo hasn’t announced which seven airlines have signed up for the service or how much it would cost. So far it’s only installed on one Boeing 737 test plane, but will eventually be installed on more than 500 commercial planes in the first phase rollout.