The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that it has enacted a ‘Report and Order’ concerning rules regulating in-flight Internet services. Since 2001, the FCC has authorized several companies to operate Earth Stations Aboard Aircraft (ESAA). An ESAA is a device installed on the outside of a plane to connect to, according to the agency, “Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS) geostationary-orbit (GSO) space stations.” In short, placing an ESAA on an aircraft helps it to send and receive information, allowing for in-flight broadband. To bolster in-flight Internet access the FCC’s new Report and Order will help more companies get involved with ESAA technology. In its own words, the new rules formalize ESAA technology as a “licensed application in the FSS and establishes a regulatory framework for processing applications.” The Report and Order has in place safeguards to prevent radio interference, as you might expect.
About Shelly Palmer
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with AI strategy, implementation and governance, as well as technology, media and marketing. Named one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Technology, he is a bestselling author, covers tech and business for Fox 5’s Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN, and writes the popular daily business blog Think About This. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.