It was nearly 18 months ago that we first wrote about Connexion by Boeing Internet service after experiencing it onboard an International Lufthansa flight. (See Hello way down below! IPTV from 35,000 feet in the air?) Now we must report that Boeing has pulled the plug on this program and will exit the high-speed broadband connectivity market.

"Over the last six years, we have invested substantial time, resources and technology in Connexion by Boeing," said Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney. "Regrettably, the market for this service has not materialized as had been expected. We believe this decision best balances the long-term interests of all parties with a stake in Connexion by Boeing."

Starting Oct. 2nd, 2006, Connexion Internet service will be free of charge. The service will then be phased out between now and the end of year.

I used to travel frequently on an International flight that offered the wireless in-flight service and enjoyed using the access to check email over VPN, Skype, stay up with emails, and even do a little online gaming. Unfortunately for Boeing, I did not see a lot of other passengers subscribe to the service and Boeing continually had specials to lure potential customers in.

Clearly, offering TV service (See Connexion by Boeing Offers IPTV in the Sky and Connexion by Boeing Adds Live Internet TV) over the wireless connection did not help at all.

Was in-flight broadband Internet ahead of its time? Should it be free rather than a subscription service? Will in-flight mobile service fizzle out as well?

We'll wait and see.

The following are some FAQs provided by Boeing.

Why are you shutting down?
Although the product works well and customers who have used it have a high regard for the service, the global market for the service has not developed satisfactorily and the company has decided to discontinue offering the service.

Will the service be taken over by another company? Will the service be provided by someone else?
The Connexion by Boeing service will discontinue. There are currently no plans to transition the service to another provider.

Do I need a special promotional offer to obtain free service?
No, your existing credentials can still be used to obtain free service. You will need to enter a credit card number for user validation purposes only. Your credit card will not be charged after the service becomes free on October 2nd, 2006.

When is the last day you will have service?
The service to the commercial airlines will cease at the end of the year although individual airlines may choose to terminate the service on their aircraft prior to that date.

Will service continue to be available on advertised flights?
Passengers traveling on Connexion equipped airline flights may continue to use the Connexion by Boeing service until the end of 2006, unless an airline determines that it wishes to terminate the service earlier.