American Airlines plays hardball over Wi-Fi

New York

PASSENGERS are not the only ones frustrated by the high cost, slow speed and baulky connections of Wi-Fi on airplanes.

A legal skirmish between American Airlines and the Wi-Fi provider Gogo broke out last month, highlighting the increased friction. American cited a clause in its contract with Gogo that permits it to end the agreement if a competing Wi-Fi provider offers a deal that Gogo cannot match. It said that ViaSat, a Gogo rival, made such an offer.