The airline also plans to install power outlets in every seat for its mainline and two-class regional fleets, and expects to roll out tablet holders to most narrowbody aircraft.

You’ll usually have to pay to go online mid-flight. While American does offer free Apple Music streaming, others have been offering free messaging. Delta has even started testing free WiFi. Still, this beats having to either struggle with mid-air WiFi or wait until landing to reconnect with the outside world.

The company plans to build the 5G network on its existing infrastructure — more than 250 towers — and will use unlicensed spectrum in the 2.4 GHz range. It will continue to deploy its 3G and 4G networks throughout the US and Canada, as a backup to its 5G. In its press release, the company noted that a ground-based network has key advantages over satellite technologies — lower operating costs and lower latency.

We haven’t heard much from Gogo since 2017, when Emirates and Cathay Pacific Group joined the roster of companies who use it. But the company’s in-flight internet hasn’t always been met with rave reviews. American Airlines filed a lawsuit against the company in order to get out of its contract. The airline dropped the lawsuit, but later dumped Gogo for ViaSat on many of its domestic routes. JetBlue also jumped ship, opting for Fly-Fi instead of Gogo. Still, several major airlines still use the company’s WiFi. If it can successfully deploy 5G, Gogo might have a chance of restoring its reputation.