Ron Coates
silicon.com

iPass subscribers will now be able to use their accounts for Boeing Connexion's WiFi service on two trans-Atlantic routes operated by Lufthansa

Global Wi-Fi roaming supplier iPass is extending its range upward in a deal with Boeing Connexion, the in-flight wireless provider.

The deal will give iPass' 528,000 customers broadband access on two Lufthansa trans-Atlantic routes. In May, Lufthansa's flight 452 from Munich to Los Angeles became the first commercial aircraft to offer travellers high-speed Internet access. With the service, passengers can wirelessly access email and the Web through a network set up on the plane. Passengers can also plug their laptops into outlets at every seat. All "long haul" Lufthansa routes from Munich and Frankfurt will offer the service by 2006.

The service is available for $29.95 for unlimited access per flight or $9.95 for 30 minutes and 25 cents per minute after that. Other European and Asian carriers are expected to debut the service later this year.

Boeing is currently fitting out planes for Scandinavian Airlines, Japan Airlines, ANA and a leasing company.

iPass aims to provide global connectivity for business travellers and gives access to over 11,000 hotspots around the world, including those in 121 airports. The vast majority of the company's customers come through corporate agreements.

Last month Siemens became the first corporate customer for Boeing's Connexion

»news.zdnet.co.uk/communications/···6,00.htm