Companies to Offer Net Service on Flights

In-Flight Network said it will join with satellite telecommunications provider Globalstar Telecommunications Ltd. and digital wireless technology developer Qualcomm Inc. to offer Internet and e-mail service on airline flights. In-Flight, a joint venture of media giant News Corp. and Rockwell Collins, which makes aviation electronics, said it will be able to provide low-cost, high-speed services by early next year. Two weeks ago, In-Flight flew and successfully operated a prototype of its system over parts of North America, it said. In April, commercial aircraft maker Boeing Co. said it would offer access to the Internet and television over a high-speed satellite communications network on existing and future airliners made by itself or competitors. Its partners in the Boeing Connexion service are CNN, CNBC, Mitsubishi Electric and Loral Skynet. In-Flight said it plans to demonstrate the service to airline and aviation industry representatives in July.