SEATTLE-The Aviation Communications Division of AT&T Wireless Services announced the domestic offering of new ground-to-air service on its all-digital, inflight telecommunications system.
“Consumers now have the option of being reached in flight for business or personal matters,” said Randy Ottinger, vice president of marketing for the Aviation Communications Division. “This new service offers peace of mind for business travelers who can now be reached when it’s important,” he added.
Passengers on commercial aircraft must register upon boarding a flight and enter a password to receive a call.
The company, which operates as Claircom International in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, does not require a registration fee and the introductory per-minute fee is the same as for air-to-ground service-$2.50 for call set-up and then $2.50 per minute.
“We want our customers to feel comfortable registering on board*…*customers don’t want to pay to register, on the outside chance that they may receive a call,” Ottiner said.
On board, the registered traveler will hear a beep, pick up the phone, and either see or hear the predetermined access number and the phone number of the calling party, the company said. The traveler can then elect to receive the call by pressing ON and entering the four-digit password, or decline the call by pressing END.
In related news, AT&T announced the 1,000th installation of its digital, in-flight telecommunications system.
