Qantas WiFi (aka Qantas inflight Internet)

[moa999]

Depends on the purpose.

QFs is generally faster and free, but far more limited in rollout (only domestic 737s and 8 320s) and coverage (only on Australian landmass - doesn't work trans tasman or over the bite)

 

[moa999]

All three ViaSat3 launches are now timetabled for 2022, with the Asia one at end 2022

Rocket Launch Schedule

Next Spaceflight's rocket launch schedule keeps you up to date with rocket launches both past and present.

nextspaceflight.com

So Qantas might finally get international internet in mid-2023
(Assuming of course that another strain doesn't make it groundhog day)

 

[jb747]

I wonder how long it will be before Starlink makes these systems obsolete.

 

[moa999]

I wonder how long it will be before Starlink makes these systems obsolete.

It's interesting - particularly when SpaceX is launching one of the satellites.

From what I understand the StarLink dishes need to be very accurately pointed, which might be more difficult in a moving aircraft.

 

[henrus]

From what I understand the StarLink dishes need to be very accurately pointed, which might be more difficult in a moving aircraft.

Apperently starlink are working on a dish for vehicle. I imagine aircraft wouldn't be too far away.

Kaymeta already make a flat panel dish that works with moving satellites like o3b.

 

[moa999]

And looks like ViaSat (blaming Covid and other issues) has pushed the Europe and Asian days back to 2023.

Viasat asks for ITU launch extension

Pandemic-related issues, plus general supply side component difficulties, have severely delayed the launch of a Viasat satellite designed to operate over Europe

advanced-television.com

The Asia satellite is set to be launched on a ULA Vulcan5 which uses Russian Rockets (but reportedly theve got enough for all planned launches), before they hopefully switch to the very late running Blue Origin BE-4 engine.

-

SpaceX has reportedly started testing on a Gulfstream, but will then initially focus on narrowbody aircraft.

Starlink on a plane: SpaceX plans to offer in-flight wifi 'as soon as possible,' says sales VP

SpaceX is steadily building out its Starlink internet satellite constellation in orbit around the planet, and ground service is already...

spaceexplored.com

 

[ms1]

What sort of speeds will I get on Qf? I’m flying Syd-per on A330 on Friday and hoping to stream the nba finals.

 

[sudoer]

What sort of speeds will I get on Qf? I’m flying Syd-per on A330 on Friday and hoping to stream the nba finals.

8-12mbps usually, streaming should work okay.

 

[RichardMEL]

speeds are good, in general, for streaming. I've certainly watched a footy game in flight

 

[jakeseven7]

What sort of speeds will I get on Qf? I’m flying Syd-per on A330 on Friday and hoping to stream the nba finals.

Easy done

 

[kpc]

I was able to stream Kayo Sports on my Mel to Syd flight on Mon evening

 

[jrfsp]

What sort of speeds will I get on Qf? I’m flying Syd-per on A330 on Friday and hoping to stream the nba finals.

Will probably drop out over the bight

 

[moa999]

First ViaSat 3 satellite (America's) now has a lunch date.
March 24, 2023 on SpaceX.
The European one Q3 2023 on an ULA Atlas 5, and the final Asia satellite in 2024 on Ariane 6 (which still is yet to have the first launch of this rocket)

I still wonder whether Qantas has a contract with ViaSat or all the delays has given them an out.

Air Baltic has just signed a deal with StarLink for example.

Netflix In Flight For Free: Inside airBaltic’s SpaceX Starlink Partnership

No sign up, no cost, but all the speeds you expect on the ground, according to the airline's CEO.

simpleflying.com

 

[henrus]

I still wonder whether Qantas has a contract with ViaSat or all the delays has given them an out.

The whole waiting for tech to catch up thing is just an excuse. Other airlines are already offering free unlimited and fast wifi, Qantas could have easily installed it by now.

 

[moa999]

Really depends on the routes your aircraft fly. There are a lot less options over the Pacific and Australia.

 

[albatross710]

The whole waiting for tech to catch up thing is just an excuse. Other airlines are already offering free unlimited and fast wifi, Qantas could have easily installed it by now.

yes...but domestically they don't have the competitive imperative. has VA got free wifi inflight yet?

 

[simmomelb]

The whole waiting for tech to catch up thing is just an excuse. Other airlines are already offering free unlimited and fast wifi, Qantas could have easily installed it by now.

The "free" aspect is debatable with any airline, commercial satellite internet comes at a relatively significant cost to airlines, although I am sure it is much cheaper than it was a few years ago, that cost has got to be passed on somewhere, no smart airline management will just ignore that cost, and Qantas is a well-oiled machine from this perspective.
I'd be more inclined to say it is included in the cost of your airfare

 

[moa999]

Launch date of ViaSat 3 America's now 8 April.

ViaSat 3 Americas Mission (Falcon Heavy) - RocketLaunch.Live

A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket will launch the ViaSat 3 Americas mission on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at 11:25 PM (UTC). Check back here to watch the live coverage (if available).

www.rocketlaunch.live

 

[moa999]

Well after a few delays the first of ViaSat 3s 3 satellites got successfully launched by a SpaceX Falcon Heavy today. It was SpaceXs heaviest launch to date and all rockets were designed to be expended (SpaceX typically tries to land it's boosters and main rocket)

SpaceX with a great Video here.

ViaSat-3 Americas Mission

On Sunday, April 30 at 8:26 p.m. ET, Falcon Heavy launched the ViaSat-3 Americas mission, delivering the ViaSat-3 Americas, Astranis's first MicroGEO satelli...

www.youtube.com

8.30 ViaSat3 corporate intro
16.40 Countdown and liftoff.
4.46.. Sat Deployment.

A few amazing shots of earth and moon in the latter hours.

 

[henrus]

Well after a few delays the first of ViaSat 3s 3 satellites got successfully launched by a SpaceX Falcon Heavy today. It was SpaceXs heaviest launch to date and all rockets were designed to be expended (SpaceX typically tries to land it's boosters and main rocket)

By the time Qantas even gets to deploying ViaSat 3 on international aircraft there will be newer better tech available. For example Hawaiian airlines is planning to have Starlink services that will mean lower pings and faster speeds.