It looks like WiFi internet on airlines might become mainstream within the next year. AirTran, an Orlando based carrier, reported that it would install WiFi access on the majority of its planes by midsummer. Many of the carriers that offer WiFi charge around $10.00 for the service on a flight.
While the technology is present, one glaring issue remains...the (lack of) space. Have you ever noticed how few people actually use a computer while on an airplane? My observation is that those who do have their computers out have some impending deadline and need to get that work done. People rarely take a laptop while flying to watch a movie or play a game.
If you have ever tried to use a laptop on a plane you will know why few people actually use their computer while flying--you can barely fit the laptop on the tray table and manage to be comfortable.
When you combine the space issue and the price, it remains to be seen if WiFi use in the air will gain wide acceptance. But when you consider that China considers Internet Addiction a disease, this new technology might just be what thousands of internet addicts have been waiting for.
