How to Troubleshoot In-Flight WiFi Connection?

Sharon Anderson
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How to Troubleshoot In-Flight WiFi Connection?

For air travelers, staying connected while flying in airplanes has become quite common, thanks to the in-flight WiFi technology. It is a useful advancement that has made it possible to stay connected to the internet even while flying thousands of feet above the ground. However, just like any other piece of technology, in-flight WiFi technology can face some issues. So whether you are using in-flight WiFi for the first time or a frequent traveler, here are some tips to troubleshoot in-flight WiFi connection to ensure a smooth internet experience while flying in the air.

Disable VPN Before Joining

Using the VPN has become a staple for many people, especially travelers because of the various benefits of VPN, as it protects the network and provides an additional layer of security. However, when you are using an in-flight WiFi network, chances are that your VPN connection can interfere with the in-flight network and make it difficult to establish a connection.

If you are finding yourself in a situation where you are not able to establish a connection even with WiFi availability, consider disabling VPN for a while. By disabling a VPN, you are eliminating the complexities in the connection process and making it easier for your device to connect to the network. This can increase the chances of establishing a successful connection with the network.

Connect at the Right Altitude

You might not be aware of this, but altitude plays an important role in in-flight WiFi connectivity. Most airlines equip their airplanes with technology that enables WiFi services after reaching a certain altitude, typically around 11,000 ft above the ground. This delay is intentional and is done so that the aircraft can climb to a safe altitude before the WiFi services are enabled.

If you are attempting to connect to the in-flight WiFi network at a lower altitude, be patient and wait until the aircraft reaches the designated altitude. You can inquire about the designated altitude from the crew members but to avoid unnecessary frustration, it is best that you wait and connect once the airline crosses the intended altitude level.

Enable Airplane Mode Before Joining

The concept of enabling airplane mode before connectivity to the in-flight WiFi network might not make much sense to you but it can turn out to be pretty effective in improving the in-flight WiFi connectivity. When you enable the airplane mode on your device, all the wireless functions are disabled including WiFi, cellular, and Bluetooth.

 

When you want to join the in-flight WiFi network, enable the airplane so that all the wireless functions are disabled and manually re-enable the WiFi connection only. This can prevent other wireless functions from interfering with the aircraft’s WiFi signals and enable your chances of a more reliable connection. Since you are paying $8 per Wi-Fi session or even more for in-flight WiFi, it is worth giving it a try.

Reboot Your Device

Sometimes, the problem may be with your device due to which you cannot connect to the network or establish a reliable connection. If you are encountering connectivity issues, a simple device reboot is worth trying. It won’t take much of your time and will resolve most of the connectivity issues.

Forget and Reconnect to the Network

Forgetting and reconnecting to the WiFi network can also solve the issue in some instances. If you are having difficulties connecting to a network that you had joined before, consider forgetting the network from the WiFi settings of your device and reconnecting to the network from the very start. This can resolve connection issues in most instances and allow you to use the WiFi network without any problem.

Contact the Flight Crew

If you have tried all the troubleshooting options and are still having trouble connecting to the in-flight WiFi network, contact the flight crew and ask them for assistance. Just ensure that you have an active in-flight WiFi subscription before you contact the flight crew so that they can provide you with guidance and assistance regarding your problem.

What Features Do Players Look for in In-Game Chat?

Sharon Anderson
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What Features Do Players Look for in In-Game Chat?

In-game chat is commonly used in video games these days to drive player engagement and increase player interaction with each other. However, with the availability of modern-day apps like WhatsApp, Discord, and Messenger, player expectations have changed. Players nowadays expect different features that can enhance their immersiveness in the game. Let us take a look at some of the features that players look for in in-game chat.

Direct Messaging

Direct messaging has become quite common on social media and online video chat platforms due to which players are looking for this feature even in the in-game chat. An ideal in-game chat app should include the feature of direct messaging where the players can have private conversations with other players in the game to ensure seamless communication and coordination during the game.

Direct messaging is a common feature that is available in some in-game chat apps but players are looking for this feature in every in-game chat, as it enhances the overall gaming experience and enables effective communication among players by allowing private interactions between players.

Friends

Since most gamers develop various connections and friendships through games, it is important that the in-game chat app has a feature that allows players to become friends. Facilitating connections between players is important to keep them engaged and with the feature to add other players as friends, players can connect, chat, and play together seamlessly. This is a feature that most gamers initially look for when they install a multiplayer game because they want to enjoy playing their favorite game with their friends.

Read Receipts

Social media and messenger apps have a lot of influence when it comes to gamers of today and gamers these days are looking for another feature in in-game chat that is inspired by social media. Read receipts inform users if the recipient has read their message or not and it is a feature that most gamers are looking for in in-game chat, as it is a useful feature that confirms message delivery and whether the other user has read the message or not.

Read receipts are available on most social platforms these days including on Coomeet account and this is a major reason why most gamers are looking for this feature in in-game chat apps.

Reaction and Typing Indicators

Reaction and typing indicators, although not a big feature, are commonly sought by gamers these days. Both of these are not huge features but they are important because they allow users to express their emotions or opinions about a particular message by using predefined reactions. Typing indicators show when someone is typing a message to show the other person that they are also engaged in the conversion. 

Both of these features are available on social media and messenger apps these days and their availability in in-game chat can certainly make it easier for gamers to express their emotions about in-game messages.

Moderation and Parental Control

Lastly, gamers also want the in-game chat to be safe and secure for everyone. For this reason, moderation and parental control features are important to maintain a positive and safe in-game environment and prevent things like inappropriate behavior, harassment, and interactions between players of different ages.

Moderation and parental control features enable players to report and block users who are harassing them and parents to set restrictions and monitor their child’s activities within the chat app while automated tools can flag problematic content. This can promote a safe and positive gaming environment for everyone.

North Carolina’s First Fully Legal Marijuana Dispensary Set To Open on 4/20

Charlotte Stories
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North Carolina’s First Fully Legal Marijuana Dispensary Set To Open on 4/20

North Carolina’s first legal marijuana dispensary, operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ Qualla Enterprises, LLC, is set to open on April 20th in Cherokee, at the site of the former Cherokee Tribal Bingo.

Named The Great Smoky Cannabis Company, the opening signifies a major milestone given the state’s current stance on marijuana as an illegal substance, which has previously hindered the tribe’s ability to sell their $30 million cannabis inventory or transport it within the state, according to Smokey Mountain News.

The new dispensary has already received over 1,400 job applications, with the facility potentially hiring up to 350 workers when fully running.

What do you think about North Carolina’s first legal dispensary?

Fujifilm Diosynth Announces $1.2 Billion Investment in Massive North Carolina Biotech Facility

Charlotte Stories
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Fujifilm Diosynth Announces $1.2 Billion Investment in Massive North Carolina Biotech Facility

Fujifilm Diosynth just announced plans to expand in North Carolina with a $1.2 billion investment, creating 680 new jobs with an average salary exceeding $109,000.

This expansion is supported by a $14.9 million grant from the North Carolina Economic Investment Committee, with additional incentives from Holly Springs and Wake County totaling $54.3 million.

The expansion, set to be completed by 2031, will increase the workforce in Holly Springs to over 1,400 and raise the total site investment to more than $3.2 billion. Planned additions include two drug substance manufacturing buildings, administrative spaces, and expanded utilities and warehouse facilities.

This development was underscored by meetings in Japan in October 2023 between North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Fujifilm executives, and other state and business leaders, focusing on enhancing Fujifilm’s North Carolina operations.

The project is part of broader Japanese investment in North Carolina, which over the last decade totals $17.58 billion and 9,220 jobs across various sectors. This growth includes significant contributions from companies like Toyota and Dai Nippon Printing, establishing North Carolina as a major hub for biotechnology and manufacturing.

“North Carolina is known worldwide as a biotechnology hub thanks to the continued investment from companies like FUJIFILM Diosynth,” said NCEDP CEO Christopher Chung in a press release. “Our robust infrastructure, top-notch engineering talent in the state, and partnerships with entities like NC State University and the North Carolina Biotechnology Center provide support for innovative companies like FUJIFILM to continue to grow.”

Upon completion, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies facility is expected to become the nation’s fourth-largest biotechnology hub, reinforcing North Carolina’s position in the global biotech industry.

UNC Board of Governors Approves $60 Million UNC Charlotte Stadium Expansion

Charlotte Stories
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UNC Board of Governors Approves $60 Million UNC Charlotte Stadium Expansion

Yesterday the UNC Board of Governors officially approved a $60 million Phase 1 expansion of UNC Charlotte’s Jerry Richardson Stadium.

The expansion includes the construction of a modern tower, increased stadium capacity, expanded luxury and club suites, and new team dining meeting areas.

“We are grateful for the private and public investments in this expansion, particularly from generous donors and the match from the NC General Assembly,” said Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber in a press release. “Their support allows us to pursue this ambitious endeavor, underscoring UNC Charlotte’s dedication to providing a top-tier athletic environment for our students, alumni and the broader community.”

Phase 1 will increase the stadium’s capacity from 15,314 total seats today to 18,170. Plans for subsequent expansion (Phase 2) will again increase capacity to 21,000. This phased approach allows Charlotte Athletics to advance the project promptly while fundraising efforts continue for subsequent phases.

South Carolina Among 2024’s States Where Employers Are Struggling the Most in Hiring

Charlotte Stories
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South Carolina Among 2024’s States Where Employers Are Struggling the Most in Hiring

With the labor force participation rate at 62.7% and slightly above pre-pandemic levels, WalletHub today released its report on 2024’s States Where Employers Are Struggling the Most in Hiring.

In order to see where employers are struggling the most in hiring, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on the rate of job openings for both the latest month and the last 12 months.

South Carolina was found to be the 3rd most struggling state, while North Carolina came in almost dead center at #24 overall.

States Where Employers Are Struggling the Most in Hiring

Rank  State Job Openings Rate (Latest Month)  Job Openings Rate (Last 12 Months) 
1 Alaska 7.20% 7.41%
2 Montana 6.70% 6.54%
3 South Carolina 6.40% 6.82%
4 New Mexico 6.40% 6.47%
5 Colorado 6.30% 6.60%
6 Maryland 6.40% 6.38%
7 Delaware 6.30% 6.38%
8 Louisiana 6.10% 6.43%
9 Oklahoma 6.20% 6.21%
10 Mississippi 5.90% 6.53%
11 West Virginia 5.70% 6.88%
12 Virginia 6.00% 6.23%
13 Rhode Island 6.10% 5.76%
14 Wyoming 5.80% 6.11%
15 Illinois 5.90% 5.90%
16 North Dakota 5.80% 6.01%
17 South Dakota 5.80% 5.78%
18 Massachusetts 5.60% 6.16%
19 Maine 5.60% 6.15%
20 Pennsylvania 5.80% 5.74%
21 Georgia 5.50% 6.31%
22 Minnesota 5.50% 6.13%
23 Idaho 5.60% 5.88%
24 North Carolina 5.40% 6.18%
25 Tennessee 5.30% 6.34%
26 Missouri 5.60% 5.58%
27 Alabama 5.50% 5.78%
28 Kansas 5.50% 5.54%
29 Oregon 5.50% 5.48%
30 Kentucky 5.30% 5.84%
30 Wisconsin 5.30% 5.84%
32 Arkansas 5.20% 5.98%
33 Florida 5.30% 5.70%
34 New Hampshire 5.20% 5.78%
35 Vermont 5.20% 5.73%
36 Utah 5.30% 5.48%
37 Arizona 5.20% 5.61%
38 Nebraska 5.30% 5.35%
39 Ohio 5.10% 5.72%
40 Nevada 5.10% 5.65%
41 Texas 5.00% 5.42%
42 Indiana 5.20% 4.96%
43 Michigan 5.00% 5.33%
44 Iowa 4.90% 5.37%
45 Connecticut 4.80% 5.14%
46 New York 4.90% 4.53%
47 Washington 4.80% 4.70%
48 District of Columbia 4.60% 5.08%
49 Hawaii 4.70% 4.74%
50 New Jersey 4.60% 4.86%
51 California 4.30% 4.65%

The Most In-Demand Home Features in North Carolina This Spring

Charlotte Stories
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The Most In-Demand Home Features in North Carolina This Spring

New data has revealed the most in-demand home and interior decor features prospective homebuyers in North Carolina are searching for most this time of year.

The findings come from real estate experts Agent Advice and follow an analysis of national and state-specific Google searches for popular home features and design elements made throughout March, April, and May each year.

The data found that the most sought-after feature in North Carolina was ceiling fans, which were searched for an average of 8,817 times each month in the run-up to spring.

This makes sense, given they’re essential for temperature regulation, and spring is one of the most changeable seasons weatherwise in the state. They also work to improve energy efficiency, as they consume less energy than air conditioning units.

Following in second is a kitchen island, with 6,775 monthly searches made throughout spring. This is likely due to its practical benefits like more storage space, extra room for food preparation, and the appeal to fans of an open-plan kitchen.

The third most coveted home feature is quartz countertops, which are searched for 5,250 times a month between March and May each year.

These are renowned for their durability, which means they’re less likely to scratch, crack, or get chipped.

Coming in fourth as the feature that homebuyers in North Carolina would be most swayed by is solar panels, which is searched for an average of 5,000 times monthly.

Solar panels also work to reduce energy bills and increase home value, with Zillow reporting homes with solar panels sell for around 4.1% more than those without.

Rounding out the top five most searched-for home features in the state is vinyl flooring, which are searched for 4,733 times per month. Made from synthetic materials like fiberglass or PVC, they’re easy to maintain, water-resistant, and highly customizable in various patterns and colors.

The ten most searched-for home and decor features in North Carolina

Feature/Decor Average Monthly Google Searches (March-May)
1 Ceiling Fans 8,817
2 Kitchen Island 6,775
3 Quartz Countertops 5,250
4 Solar Panels 5,000
5 Vinyl Flooring 4,733
6 Stackable Washer & Dryer 4,483
7 Granite Countertops 4,433
8 Hardwood Flooring 4,267
9 Framed TV 3,483
10 Farmhouse Sink 2,933

Homebuyers in the state are more bothered about home features like countertops, flooring, and white goods than design elements, the data shows.

Happily, for hopeful sellers, it’s generally advised to advertise your home using a neutral color scheme so that your design choices don’t influence buyers.

Three More NC Counties to Receive Expanded Vital High-Speed Internet Access

Charlotte Stories
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Three More NC Counties to Receive Expanded Vital High-Speed Internet Access

Efforts are continuing to bring high-speed internet access to communities across North Carolina. The N.C. Department of Information Technology’s (NCDIT) Division of Broadband and Digital Equity today posted Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program scopes of work to expand high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved homes and businesses in the following counties:

  • Franklin County (approximately 4,900 eligible locations)
  • Gates County (approximately 73 eligible locations)
  • Macon County (approximately 2,600 eligible locations)

To date, scopes of work have been posted for 28 counties. Internet service providers that are prequalified to participate in state broadband expansion programs may submit proposals to provide broadband to all or a portion of eligible locations within each county.

This public-private partnership will help achieve Governor Roy Cooper’s goal to close the digital divide and ensure more North Carolinians can access affordable and reliable high-speed internet. Funds come from the Biden-Harris administration’s American Rescue Plan.

The CAB program creates a partnership among state government, county leaders and internet service providers to fund broadband deployment projects with $400 million from the American Rescue Plan. All CAB projects require matching investments from counties, which will be combined with NCDIT’s award and the prequalified service provider’s contribution.

Each county’s scope of work will be posted for 45 days at ncbroadband.gov/active-cab-proposals and will include the evaluation criteria by which an internet service provider will be chosen and the instructions for submitting proposals. A map of each county’s eligible locations is located on the NC OneMap’s CAB Planning Tool. During the first 10 days of the posting period, internet service providers may submit protests to identify locations they already serve as described in the CAB Program Guidance.

For more information about the NCDIT Division of Broadband and Digital Equity, please visit ncbroadband.gov.

CATS’ Red Line Rail Project Takes Major Step Toward Becoming Reality

Charlotte Stories
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CATS’ Red Line Rail Project Takes Major Step Toward Becoming Reality

Lake Norman residents have long wondered about the prospects of a new commuter rail line extending north from Charlotte.

In several meetings over the past week the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) signaled that a deal with Norfolk Southern to create the Red Line Commuter Rail project could be finalized soon.

The Red Line is a 25-mile commuter rail project would need to use Norfolk Southern’s infrastructure along the route that links Uptown Charlotte with Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, and extending into Mooresville. It aims to enhance regional connectivity across ten stations and five municipalities.

via CATS

Each station will serve as a park-and-ride hub with bus services and first/last-mile connections, fostering sustainable communities. The Red Line also connects to major entertainment venues and various transit services.

CATS collaborates with stakeholders to shape the project, aiming to reduce congestion, spur economic development, and improve livability. Public input in upcoming meetings is crucial for shaping the project’s direction and ensuring alignment with community needs and aspirations.

Upcoming Public Meetings:

  1. Virtual Meeting: Date and Time TBA
    • Details will be shared in the next edition of the Citizen.
  2. In-Person Meetings:
    • Huntersville: Thursday, April 18, 6 – 8 p.m. at North County Regional Library.
    • Charlotte: Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. – noon at Sugar Creek Library.

Residents are encouraged to attend these meetings, share feedback, and contribute ideas to shape the Red Line Commuter Rail project on their website at PublicInput.com/RedLine.

New Home Construction is Cooling, But “Built-for-Rent” Still Booming in Charlotte

Charlotte Stories
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New Home Construction is Cooling, But “Built-for-Rent” Still Booming in Charlotte

A new report from Apartment List examines the latest trends in built-for-rent homes: large developments of single-family homes designed to be rented, not owned.

Due to rising home prices, this type of construction has more than tripled in the last decade because many families want the benefits of living in a single-family home, like extra space and a backyard, but cannot afford to buy one. Last year alone, nearly 1-in-10 new homes were built to be rentals.
Charlotte’s BTR market saw one of the biggest increases in America, with our metro boasting the 5th greatest number of build-to rent homes completed last year, with a 36% year-over-year growth.

  • 1,714 BTR units are currently under construction in Charlotte, which is the 5th largest number of upcoming homes for rent in the whole country.

  • By contrast, Raleigh-Cary’s BTR market is way slower, adding 477 build-to-rent homes in the last five years – the equivalent of the 2022 construction in Charlotte. Statewide, no other metro excels in this niche.

  • Nationwide, eight of top 10 metros for build-to-rent construction hit 10-year highs in 2023, which was the strongest year on record for this niche.  Phoenix stands out for the largest number of units completed between 2017 and 2023, followed by Dallas, Detroit and Houston. More so, roughly 44,700 homes are now under construction across the country – triple the number of new homes completed last year.

What do you think about the new trend?

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