AirCell, winner of the recent FCC auction for air-to-ground broadband frequencies, said Monday that it planned to use the spectrum to bring affordable wireless Internet to airplanes. The company expects to roll out the services next year.

Aircraft fitted with AirCell equipment will allow for Wi-Fi access throughout the cabin using 802.11b and g technologies. The frequencies are separate from those of safety equipment, meaning airlines would be able to safely operate the equipment during flight.

"It's very gratifying to know that AirCell's original vision for this market will culminate in a service that will be of such great benefit to airlines, business aviation and passengers," AirCell president and CEO Jack Blumenstein said,

"Business travelers will have a new productivity tool and others will have the same convenient access to information they now enjoy at home or work," he continued.

Initial plans are for the service to be available when flying over the continental United States. From there, the footprint would be expanded to include the rest of North America and the Caribbean.

For the technology to work, the network on the plane will connect with towers placed on the ground. When over a service area, this connection will provide an Internet connection to those on board. It would even permit those with VOIP capabilities to place low-cost calls while in flight.

AirCell also said it was looking into ways that would allow customers to use their cell phones in flight, but acknowledged that would need additional regulatory approval.

No airline partners have been announced, but AirCell said it was in the process of initiating discussions with the various wireless carriers.