Fighting for VoIP-free skies, part 2

Aircell’s CEO goes on the record on VoIP in the crowded airplane cabin. And he says one thing FierceVoIP predicted.

Talking to the New York Times, CEO Jack Blumenstein notes that people do indeed have the ability to “go around the barn door” and figure out ways to evade filtering. He also points out that there are no regulatory rules prohibiting VoIP use in the skies, but the ban is a social concern.

A lot of cumulative blogger-frothing painting Aircell as the villain–rather than American Airlines and other airlines currently setting VoIP-free cabin policy–seems to miss Mr. Blumenstein’s clear statement that if passengers are found using voice capabilities on Aircell’s service, “we can exercise the right to turn your access off.” 

On August 27, 2008, FierceVoIP predicted this would the next likely avenue/area of deterrent for Aircell to those who would flaunt their terms of service.

In the future, travelers willing to press their luck to buck the system might be wise to note the key phrases “American’s policy” and “Gogo’s terms of service.”  It is this reporter’s speculation that documented and habitual violation of Gogo’s terms of service might result in offenders being banned from using the in-flight service (i.e. Gogo doesn’t have to take your credit card).  Not to mention potential steps American Airlines might take as a matter of principal against boorish passengers violating clearly stated policy.

This reporter might also suggest reading another Times piece discussing cell phone abuse on commuter trains for some insight as to what might happen to someone shouting into a PC on a five hour cross-country flight originating out of New York.

For more:
- NY Times essay/interview with CEO of Aircell. Piece

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