On May 10, the FCC will begin auctioning the frequencies currently being used for airline phone service to companies wishing to provide broadband server to air travelers. Verizon has had a monopoly on airline phone service, but many travelers have been turned off by the high cost of a couple dollars a minute. The auction promises that several carriers will offer high-speed Internet access for lower cost. In addition, flyers will still be able to call their friends using VoIP.

The FCC wants the auction to raise at least $5 million dollars and plans to sell frequencies in 1 to 3 megahertz chunks. Verizon, who currently has a five year non-renewable contract with the FCC, plans to bid.

Internet is already on planes with Lufthansa and a few other carriers already offering high-speed access via satellite on some flights. Customers can buy in 30-minute increments or for $29.95 get access for the full flight.