Delta Air Lines said today it will offer broadband wireless Internet on its domestic fleet by the middle of next year.

Delta is partnering with Aircell, an airborne communications provider, to install the network on the carrier's domestic fleet of more than 330 aircrafts. The Atlanta-based company said Wi-Fi service will be offered for a fee to customers traveling throughout the continental U.S.

The system will allow customers traveling with Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as laptops, smartphones and PDAs, to access the Internet while in flight.

A flat fee of $9.95 will be charged on flights of three hours or less, and $12.95 on flights of more than three hours.

"Our customers asked for in-flight connectivity, and we're responding by rolling out the most extensive Wi-Fi network in the sky," said Richard Anderson, Delta CEO. "Beginning this fall, our passengers will have the ability to stay connected when they travel with us throughout the continental U.S."

The service will be offered initially on Delta's fleet of 133 MD88/90 aircraft and will rapidly expand to the remaining domestic fleet of more than 200 Boeing 737, 757 and 767-300 aircraft throughout the first half of 2009. The airline expects to have the technology installed on its entire fleet by summer 2009.

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