The Federal Communications Commission has formalized a set of rules allowing for the expansion of in-flight Internet services, the regulator announced in an official press release. The FCC said the new guidelines will allow it to process in-flight broadband licensing applications 50% faster than previously.

The regulatory body said in the press release that its action "enables broadband providers to meet increasing consumer demands and promotes the economic growth and job-creating impacts of ubiquitous broadband."

Previously, the FCC had approved in-flight Internet service entirely on an ad hoc basis.