• Chicago Tribune, Monday, October 26, 2009 10:03 PM

A pair of companies is launching the first free, ad-supported, in-flight wireless network. Dubbed SkyTown Center, the network lets airline travelers watch live television, play games and check out information about their destination city. It will be offered under a partnership between Wi-Fi provider Row 44 and JiWire, an online media company.

Under the plan, airline passengers will be able to log onto SkyTown free with their computers. If they want to navigate away from SkyTown to text, check e-mail or browse the Internet, they will probably have to pay a fee.

Content partners on the network include the Home Shopping Network and SkyMall, the onboard retailer. Executives have yet to announce which airlines will offer SkyTown, which is expected to start Nov. 1.

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