Data networks while flying

Forums › Spark New Zealand (including Skinny and BigPipe) › Data networks while flying

ipearx

32 posts

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#35038 2-Jun-2009 21:25

Hi does anyone have any experience with either the new XT data network, or Vodafone's data network while flying small aircraft?

Assuming there is a tower within range, do they transmit signal upwards as well as outwards?

I'm asking because I fly gliders, usually less than 6000 feet around the waikato. It would be great to transmit my position to the net every few seconds using an iphone, pda or something else.

Probably a more reliable solution would be the spot tracking:
http://international.findmespot.com/

Texting works OK while flying sometimes, but I don't have a data plan to test. Would the XT network be any better?

Thanks in advance!

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#221111 2-Jun-2009 21:31

I have used a Vodem stick while in a Helicopter locked to 3G only while hovering above West Auckland and it worked great the issue was when flying along at some speed

John

LennonNZ

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#221113 2-Jun-2009 21:41

Of course they transmit upward and is 100% useable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuL718OIXe4

scottjpalmer

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#221122 2-Jun-2009 22:30

Give chris021 a nudge, he flys microlights and is usually talking and flying simultaneously, he must have given data a crack too.

nzpilot1181

132 posts

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#221175 3-Jun-2009 08:22

im not sure how well telecom works at altitude, but vodafone generally isn't too bad, however often you'll have full reception but the sending of a txt will fail. Perhaps a sign of too many cells all converging?
I've found from about 5000feet the signal often drops completely.

chris021

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#221182 3-Jun-2009 08:34

around 3000 ft is normally ok. I have used googlemaps a few times to 'verify' my position... however that was with GPRS on the blackberry. I will give vodafone UMTS 900 a crack next time im up. maybe stream some video :-)

NealR

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#221187 3-Jun-2009 08:54

I have a "friend" who quite regularly uses his iPhone on the new XT network while in an AirNZ 737 between Wellington & Auckland. He "tells" me that he gets great coverage comming into Wellington from the North over mana, Porirua and Wellington harbour. He also gets good coverage comming into Auckland over Manukau etc.

In general cell phone coverage is focussed on the ground and coverage in the air is not by design. If you can send a text then you should be able to maintain a short duration data session.

The only true way of validating coverage is by "fly testing" as compared with drive testing.

The comments I write on this forum do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer and as such cannot be taken as official statements of my employer.

skyplonk

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#221190 3-Jun-2009 08:55

CDMA Below 3000 - 4000 feet seems to be ok most of the time. Around Auckland City it sometimes can be a bit dodgy.

Will need to try WCDMA one day.

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nzpilot1181

132 posts

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#221195 3-Jun-2009 09:06

i remember a flight i did over ruapehu at 9,500feet, the phone kept cutting in and out with signal but managed to get a signal from Pokeno on GSM (according to cell info), amazing how far you can receive a cell

coffeebaron

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#221202 3-Jun-2009 09:27

Watch out for the new law - it will soon be illegal to video call whilst flying :)

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zonky

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#221309 3-Jun-2009 14:18

NealR: I have a "friend" who quite regularly uses his iPhone on the new XT network while in an AirNZ 737 between Wellington & Auckland. He "tells" me that he gets great coverage comming into Wellington from the North over mana, Porirua and Wellington harbour. He also gets good coverage comming into Auckland over Manukau etc.

The only true way of validating coverage is by "fly testing" as compared with drive testing.

Do bear in mind Air NZ forbid you to do this on board their aircraft.

chris021

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#221312 3-Jun-2009 14:21

You shouldn't have any uncertified transmitter on any flight flying under IFR (Instrument flight rules) i.e. all comercially operated flights....

rscole86

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#221314 3-Jun-2009 14:23

That is probably because the CAA forbids it?
and I am sure there is a good reason why he has said, 'friend' and 'tells'... ;)

zonky

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#221315 3-Jun-2009 14:29

Yes, It appears to be that they think we should be impressed by their 'friends' use of their employers mobile phones to breach AirNZ and/or CAA rules.

Is encouraging mobile phone use on commercial flights Telecom policy, or just the independent action of a employee?

rscole86

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#221317 3-Jun-2009 14:31

Ok, this is now off topic.. but i think you are reading into it too much.
I have friends, a lot, who do not work for the same people I do, and I assume you do to?
But like I said.. this is now off topic.

zonky

62 posts

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#221319 3-Jun-2009 14:36

Personally, i'd refer to a friend without quotemarks, if they were a friend. I believe the poster was implying something else entirely.

Should point out of course that although there are plans to allow GSM mobile phones inflight, they rely on localised pico-cells installed on the plane itself, relaying via satellite.

Whether or not there is a problem with phone use is debateable, but various research makes reference to the problem being 90-100 phones searching for networks in high(est) power mode as they move through fringes of coverage.

The pico-cells should get around this, is the idea.

Of course, i'd recommend using the plastic cutlery to stab any "i'm on the plane" chatters next to you, myself.

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