Another option to get connected in the sky now exists. Panasonic Avionics and GigSky, a global mobility provider based in Silicon Valley, partnered to offer an alternate means to buy day passes valid on aircraft fitted with the AeroMobile picocell technology.
With the addition of an inflight plan, customers can stay connected at their destination – and in between destinations – truly enabling an always-online, always-connected experience, anywhere they go.
– Ravi Rishy-Maharaj, Founder and CEO at GigSky
Passengers who download the GigSky app can activate its eSIM technology on supported mobile phones. Once active (in lieu of their traditional SIM/eSIM) the app allows for the purchase of an in-flight data day pass. When active the traveler will roam seamlessly on to the AeroMobile access points on board using the cell service rather than WiFi to connect to the airplane network and beyond.
Kevin Rogers, Senior Director, Mobile Services at Panasonic Avionics, said, “Digital innovation is at the forefront of everything we do at Panasonic Avionics. Our collaboration with GigSky marks our first eSIM partnership and enables us to enhance and bring more choice to the passenger experience. With GigSky’s support of our mobile services platform, passengers can connect their mobile phones across the globe regardless of which network provider they are with, replicating on-the-ground integrated connectivity in the skies.”
For travelers already using the GigSky eSIM product and app the transition to on-board access should be relatively smooth. A phone should roam on to the AeroMobile network without any trouble. As a one-off alternative to paying for WiFi access on board, however, the process is a bit more clunky. Still, it is nice to see additional options on offer.
The AeroMobile platform is available on at least some aircraft from 19 airlines today.
Pricing for the in-flight day pass was not disclosed, though most GigSky plans come with a duration and megabyte cap.
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