gogo-inflightFlying can be a pain, especially without a wireless connection. Being disconnected from the world can really be cumbersome when trying to operate a business.

Emails need to be answered in a timely fashion or else nothing gets done, which can cause stress levels to rise higher than the clouds. Now, there’s a solution to this problem: WI-FI on airplanes via Gogo! Sound amazing, however – as much as we all like to be connected to the rest of the world 24/7 – what is the true cost for in-air connectivity?

Gogo is the leading in-flight WI-FI service currently available for American, Delta, United and several other airlines. While the service is in high demand, there are few flaws:

  • No Encryption! This means that hackers can steal login information for Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, and most email systems. There are applications like Firesheep which would allow them to access your information. That can pose a long term threat to you and potentially your business.
  • Expensive. In-air WI-FI will run you up to $16 for a single flight.
  • The authentication system used to charge passengers for internet access is not fully secure. Essentially what this means is that, if someone can gain access to your MAC address, then he/she can access your internet service for free.
  • Your device will continue searching for “gogoinflight” networks even after you leave the plane. This means that you could inadvertently connect to another network using that name, perhaps belonging to a hacker at the airport! Scary what people think of huh? Think of free pubic wifi as bait for a hacker to get exactly what he’s looking for.
  • Bandwidth Challenges. Because planes often fly over oceans, Gogo uses Internet from satellites rather than from ground antennas. At this point in time, Gogo satellites do not provide/support as much bandwidth as ground antennas.

Are these limitations enough to make you hold off for a few hours before you arrive at your destination?

Resources:

Lawson, Kent. “PRIVATE WiFi.” Thought Leadership. 11 Aug. 2011. Web. 21 Apr. 2015. <https://www.privatewifi.com/flying-naked-why-airplane-wifi-is-so-unsafe/>.