Current Systems Will Be Unusable After April 2007
In February, Aero-News
reported on WSI's decision to partner with Sirius
Satellite Radio in order to build its coverage area.
The company says it joined with Sirius over concerns regarding the
long-term viability and service continuity of its current InFlight
satellite network, and that certified systems utilizing the Sirius
upgrade will be available later in the year.
That's great news, if you were looking to purchase a WSI system
for your plane around that time... but what about customers already
using WSI's AV100 or AV200 systems, which won't be compatible with
the new network after April 2007? WSI says to recognize those
customers' loyalty, the company is offering a rebate program that
will offset the price of replacement hardware.
All WSI InFlight subscribers who purchased their system on or
before February 7, 2006 qualify to receive a full or partial rebate
on WSI InFlight next generation hardware.
WSI is offering rebates on the WSI InFlight AV300 system --
appropriate for subscribers interested in the WSI weather
information only -- and the AV350, appropriate for those interested
in enjoying Sirius Radio in concert with the WSI weather content.
The rebates will vary based upon contract renewal length, and
customers will be responsible for installation costs.
Current customers can
expect a letter from WSI with important account information in the
coming weeks. The letter will contain information necessary to
complete the transition process. Customers are instructed to take
the letter to an Authorized WSI InFlight Dealer to place their
order for one of the new systems.
MSRP for a WSI InFlight AV300 replacement system, appropriate
for existing customers who wish only to receive weather
information, is $1,200. If you want to listen to the NFL or Howard
Stern along with your WX info, the AV350 lists for $2,700.
When customers are ready to activate their new systems (expected
to be certified and available for installation in the fourth
quarter of 2006) they will have four subscription term options. The
letter will direct customers to an online subscription form where
they can select your rebate / term commitment, their subscription
package. Early cancellation fees will apply. WSI will process your
rebate upon receipt of your first year's subscription fee. A check
will be mailed to your billing address.
The current WSI InFlight systems (AV100 and AV200) will remain
fully operational through April 30, 2007. After that time it will
be necessary to have installed either the AV300 or AV350 in order
to continue receiving the WSI InFlight broadcast.
All current WSI InFlight subscriptions renewing after May 1,
2006 will be renewed through April 30, 2007. At renewal, customers
will be charged a pro-rated amount for the time period from the
effective renewal date through April 30, 2007.
WSI says the new system will be backward compatible with all WSI
InFlight displays.
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