Boeing gets into Wi-Fi game, promises connectivity from 747-8s and 777s

Boeing has announced it will build in Wi-Fi connectivity into its lines of 747-8 and 777 planes from the end of 2013.

Boeing said the technology would be installed at the production line stage and enable passengers to use mobile phones, the internet and even stream live TV en route.

Boeing is considering extending the capabilities of its 737 aircraft, which already includes provisional wiring for advanced connectivity systems. Boeing is offering retrofits of its 787s, firstly to enable mobile and Wi-Fi coverage, but to hopefully include video streaming by the end the year.