In - flight Internet relies on transmitting signals to the ground . Airlines have n't found cost - effective way of providing Wi - Fi service while over water . Because in-flight Internet relies on transmitting signals to the ground , intercontinental flights have yet to find a reliably cost-effective means of providing passengers with Wi-Fi service while over water . Main drawbacks are cost , and lack of equipment for satellite transmission . Several airlines plan to start offering the service this year .
In - flight Internet relies on transmitting signals to the ground . Airlines have n't found cost - effective way of providing Wi - Fi service while over water . Main drawbacks are cost , and lack of equipment for satellite transmission . Several airlines plan to start offering the service this year .