Delta Air Lines reportedly plans to supply free WiFi to all its passengers as quickly as subsequent 12 months, according to the Wall Street Journal. The airline is already testing free wi-fi web for members of its frequent-flier program, and it is anticipated to broaden considerably by way of 2023.

According to the report, Delta will begin rolling out free WiFi “on a significant portion of its airplanes” earlier than increasing the service to extra of its fleet later subsequent 12 months. Once this system is accessible for all passengers, it should doubtless require a SkyMiles loyalty quantity to get on-line.

CEO Ed Bastian first introduced the airline’s aim of free wi-fi entry in 2018, and it just lately stepped up testing. It at present makes use of Viasat and Intelsat (previously Gogo) for web entry, and it reportedly plans to equip most of its US home fleet with Viasat service by the tip of this 12 months. JetBlue is the one main US airline at present providing free WiFi for all passengers.

The airline business has tried for years to enhance WiFi, testing with varied suppliers and enterprise fashions. However, the outcome remains to be a large number for purchasers: You would possibly find yourself with completely different on-line necessities and pricing on two legs of the identical flight, even with the identical airline. Hopefully, Delta’s transfer will drive different airways to compete with free WiFi of their very own — whereas cleansing up the method of accessing it.