The battle to power the Internet connection on your next flight is kicking into high gear with a $37 million round of funding for Row 44, the company that powers in-flight Wi-Fi for Southwest Airlines.
Today’s funding comes eight months after rival Aircell, the company responsible for GoGo Inflight Internet, closed a massive $176 million round of funding.
Row 44 intends to use its newly replenished bank account to lease more satellite transponders, according to the L.A. Times. Row 44 leases telecommunication satellites from Hughes Network Systems to power its in-flight Wi-Fi connection, while most of its competitors rely on ground-based antennas. The company says this gives it a unqiue advantage because it can provide Wi-Fi access globally, even over oceans.
The popularity of in-flight Wi-Fi has never been higher; it’s projected to be a $100 million business this year. Aircell is the current leader of the space due to deals with American Airlines, Virgin America, Delta Airlines and others.
More About: aircell, GoGo, gogo inflight internet, in-flight wi-fi, Row 44, Southwest Airlines, wi-fi, wifi
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