In addition, JetBlue says its satellite-based technology offers "exponentially more bandwidth" than the in-flight Wi-Fi of other airlines, according to a page on .

JetBlue spokeswoman Allison Croyle confirmed the launch details, including the airline's plans for free Wi-Fi, to PCWorld. The news was first reported in a .

Many U.S. airlines rely on Gogo for in-flight Internet. Gogo uses a series of cellular towers on the ground, which send a signal to the planes in the air. JetBlue will use satellite service in partnership with ViaSat, which claims that its Ka-band surpasses the speeds of other satellite systems as well.

Although Croyle could not confirm data speeds for JetBlue Wi-Fi, ViaSat's promises 12 Mbps or more to each passenger. A source told The Verge that JetBlue's free service would be sufficient for "basic email and browsing," so passengers may still have to pay more if they want to stream movies or music in the air.

If JetBlue's claims of fast, reliable Wi-Fi hold up, the airline could become essential for passengers who need to stay connected in the air.