It is easy to focus on speed tests to rate inflight internet services. The technology is easy, generally non-disruptive, and comparing the numbers makes sense to most passengers. Alas, speed tests also come up short in telling the whole story, with just one or two variables scored, and at intermittent intervals.
I think airlines would like to see third-party validation of what they’re hearing from their providers. That’s natural and totally copacetic.
– Dave Bijur, Intelsat
Now a new set of companies have taken on that Quality of Experience (QoE) measurement challenge, and suppliers are openly discussing the idea of moving beyond supplier-reported SLA compliance. The topic surfaced again at Satellite 2024 in a panel discussion among inflight connectivity providers.
Neuron‘s QoE services on cruise ships sparked the conversation about how a similar product might function on aircraft, but it is not the only company working in the space. NetForecast is another major player in the industry today, while the Seamless Air Alliance also defined a set of standards for QoE measurements.
All three parties have slightly different ideas of what should be measured and how. But they all agree additional details are needed, beyond the basic contractual SLA reporting.
And while the panel members generally spoke supportively of the concept, they were not all 100% on board, despite growing demand from airlines to have the additional data available to ensure that passengers are satisfied with the service offerings and that airlines can rely on the connection.
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More on making QoE matter:
- NetForecast launches airline WiFi service monitoring tool
- ESpace snags $10 million, two new directors to boost inflight Wi-Fi QoE
- Seamless finalizes QoE metrics, certifies first partner
- SkyFive sees “wildly inconsistent” performance across inflight connectivity services
More news from Satellite 2024
- Fusion for the future
- Intelsat massively boosts multi-orbit capacity with revised Eutelsat deal
- Stellar Blu Sidewinder terminal certification slips, production ramps up
- Measuring more than Megabits: Inflight internet monitors take the spotlight
- Iridium poised to open new aero markets
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