Delta trims Gogo WiFi pact to open way for new suppliers

Delta and WiFi supplier Gogo Inc. agreed to shorten their contract on some aircraft by as much as seven years, opening the door for the carrier to consider other providers as it works toward offering free on-board connectivity. Gogo shares fell the most in two months. The agreement, disclosed by Gogo in a regulatory filing Thursday, covers 13 aircraft types in Delta’s fleet, and accelerates expiration dates to Nov. 1 to June 2, 2022. The original agreement was to run through 2027, Gogo has said. Gogo is Delta’s only in-flight WiFi provider. The agreement may help Delta CEO Ed Bastian achieve his pledge to offer free onboard Wi-Fi by allowing the carrier to enlist providers that use different technology. The airline has said there’s not sufficient Ku band satellite capacity over North America to meet its “user experience expectations for free Wi-Fi service on its desired timeline,” Gogo’s filling said. “We’ve accelerated our plans to reimagine onboard Wi-Fi,” said a Delta spokeswoman. “As part of this, we need added flexibility to work closely with partners –- including Gogo –- to leverage the right technologies for our fleet and deliver the best experience possible.”<br/>