Now there's exciting news for travelers from Delta Airlines.  Delta, which offers the most destinations of any world airline with 312 destinations in 61 countries, is rolling out a special surprise for its customers.  No, it's not cell phone usage -- cell phone use is still banned on its planes during flight, as per FAA orders.

What it is offering is broadband to all its customers.  The move makes it the only major U.S. airline to offer broadband Wi-Fi access on its entire domestic mainline fleet.  Such service is typically a luxury class only item, if offered at all.  The service will be available for a flat fee of $9.95 on flights of three hours or less, and $12.95 on flights of more than three hours. 

Delta is partnering with airborne communications leader Aircell to offer the service.  The new service will be named "Gogo" and will provide service to users’ laptops, cell phones, or PDAs.  All 330 mainline aircraft in the U.S. will be receiving the service.  The first to get it will be 133 MD88/90 aircraft.  From there, it will be installed on the remaining 200 Boeing 737, 757 and 767-300 aircraft throughout the first half of 2009.

By the summer of 2009, Delta plans to have the service complete.  Says Richard Anderson, Delta’s chief executive officer, "Delta remains committed to providing a travel experience that maximizes the time our customers spend with us onboard by offering them even more productivity options.  Our customers asked for in-flight connectivity, and we’re responding by rolling out the most extensive Wi-Fi network in the sky.  Beginning this fall, our passengers will have the ability to stay connected when they travel with us throughout the continental U.S."

Aircell was selected because its technology is ultra-light and requires relatively little space.  Aircell also offers rapid overnight installation.  Jack Blumenstein, President and CEO, Aircell states, "The advent of Air-To-Ground (ATG) technology has made broadband connectivity in the cabin economically viable for the first time for commercial airlines."

The company's new networks is based on the frequency it won exclusive rights to from the FCC in 2006.