Here is an interesting summary of digEplayer Companies like OnAir, ARINC/Telenor`s AeroMobile and Qualcomm have proven the pico cell concept, though regulatory and certification issues remain. Experts say Europe likely will be ready to move forward with a launch on revenue flights next year but the US will take longer. Bruner says the airline installing the pico cell-equipped Panasonic system plans to turn the unit off before entering US airspace. Foreman says voice-over-IP is probably a more cost-effective solution for personal telephone calls and text messages given that carriers are moving toward broadband connectivity for cabins anyway; ``Airlines will almost be able to offer it for free.``

For carriers without IFE or with outdated IFE, other options exist. Multiple providers, including Wencor and IMS in the US, are having success selling portable units. Alaska Airlines, which has no embedded IFE in its planes, has been using Wencor`s digEplayer for nearly two years on its longer-haul routes.

Why portable? Chase Craig, Alaska`s product marketing analyst, says passengers on longer flights wanted entertainment and seatback units proved to be too heavy in terms of wasted fuel. Satellite connectivity was iffy given the high latitudes of its destinations40% of its routes can`t receive satellite TVso ``we were looking at a system that would cost a lot to install and a lot to fly around.``

The portable, developed by a former employee, offered lower cost, no onboard power connection and low weightabout 2.5 lb. per unit. Alaska had tested portable DVD players but found content management to be a problem. The digEplayers, owned by the airline and used on select long-haul flights, are stored in a beverage cart, handed out free to first-class passengers and offered for a $10 fee in coach. Ten hours of battery life mean the units can operate on both halves of a long-haul flight. They hold about 10 hr. of music, nine movies (three are first-run) and a Discover Alaska channel featuring airline-developed marketing content. Other carriers following Alaska`s lead include KLM, Aeroflot, Silkair and Pacific Blue. A similar offering by IMS, called the Personal Entertainment Appliance or Pea, is onboard with American Airlines, Varig, Jet Airways and others.

Prabhakar says the future market for rented portables is limited as consumer electronics advance and passengers increasingly buy their own portable devices. However, it is unclear whether the early success of portables despite a lack of connectivity suggests a limited appeal for cellphones, e-mail and Internet to every seat. ``We keep talking about connectivity and broader band,`` says Lincoln, ``but I believe that audio and video on demand is still the `killer` application.``

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