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Netflix is working with airlines to improve Wi-Fi streaming on flights

Published Sep 27th, 2017 12:56AM EDT
Netflix
Image: Etienne Laurent/Epa/REX/Shutterstock

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Netflix this week announced plans to work with airline partners across the globe in an effort to improve Wi-Fi quality during flights. Over the next few months, Netflix engineers will begin working with airlines and help them implement the streaming giant’s mobile streaming technology which should allow for better picture quality while consuming less bandwidth.

Originally reported by our sister-site Variety, the initiative seems like a win-win all around. Passengers will be able to enjoy a more seamless video watching experience while Netflix will be able to boost user engagement. And from the airlines perspective, happy passengers makes for a better in-flight experience for all parties involved. What’s more, Netflix’s bandwidth-friendly technology will reportedly help airlines lower their bandwidth costs by as much as 75%. Will this result in cheaper airfare? Not a chance, but it may make in-flight Wi-Fi more wallet-friendly.

Variety’s report reads in part:

Netflix says the more-efficient mobile encodes it developed can deliver DVD-quality video on mobile devices at 250 kilobits per second — overall, delivering equivalent video quality while using up to 36% less bandwidth than its conventional encoding techniques.

Broadly, it’s part of Netflix’s push to let customers access the service on thousands of devices, including connected-TVs, tablets, set-top boxes, and even via hotel-entertainment systems.

All told, Netflix has done a stellar of job of making it easy for subscribers to access content in almost any situation. Though long overdue when introduced, Netflix late last year finally announced a feature allowing users to download select content for offline viewing.

Yoni Heisler Contributing Writer

Yoni Heisler has been writing about Apple and the tech industry at large with over 15 years of experience. A life long expert Mac user and Apple expert, his writing has appeared in Edible Apple, Network World, MacLife, Macworld UK, and TUAW.

When not analyzing the latest happenings with Apple, Yoni enjoys catching Improv shows in Chicago, playing soccer, and cultivating new TV show addictions.