Streaming in the sky

Qantas is certainly confident about the bandwidth it will be able to offer customers through the National Broadband Network, with confirmation that in-flight content will be able to be streamed from suppliers such as Netflix, Foxtel and Spotify. The new system has already begun its rollout on its first domestic aircraft, with the remainder of the domestic 737 and A330 fleet to follow from the middle of the year. The “Sky Muster” satellite service, which is powering the offering, is claimed to offer speeds up to ten times faster than conventional in-flight wi-fi via 101 “spot beams” across the country. Under partnerships announced last month free access will be offered to Qantas customers by the various services, with Foxtel providing three days of free access to its app every time a customer flies. Netflix will offer its customary 30-day trial to new customers, while existing members will be able to log in to continue watching at no additional charge. And Spotify is also giving a 30-day free trial of its ad-free Premium service to Qantas passengers. An in-flight web portal will also provide real-time flight data; hotel, restaurant and transport options; the latest weather; and “personalised information linked to your itinerary and Frequent Flyer account”.