Date: 201809
Aircraft: Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Parked
Aircraft component: Laptop Computer (performance; planning; etc.)
Component problem: Malfunctioning
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Captain
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human factors: Situational Awareness
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: General None Reported / Taken
Contributing factors: Aircraft; Company Policy
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: Two of the last three flights that I flew had their WiFi systems INOP. This deficiency [occurred] during a summer which has produced some of the most widespread convective weather I have seen in my [decades in] aviation. As the WiFi is considered a 'passenger entertainment' system ONLY; it is easy to understand the ease of deferral. However; the WiFi is much more than simple entertainment!Pilots utilize this invaluable resource to gain access to WSI; [the company's] weather service application. On this resource; pilots can see; near real time; locations and the extent of rapidly growing convection that may threaten their flight. Game plans for avoidance can be quickly formulated; and; in conjunction with the aircraft's onboard weather radar; executed to minimize risk. Years ago; exceptionally qualified and experienced dispatchers monitored far fewer flights than are overseen today. Now; our dispatchers are directed to screen the coverage of more assets; relying on automation more and more; and falling back on far less experience. Receiving a message that a new 'flight watch' or 'convective segment' was issued for our area is of marginal value while we are actively trying to avoid severe echoes. Also; rightfully so; our company's concern about turbulence related injuries has flight crews ever more vigilant in their desire to avoid convective weather. We utilize every resource that we have available; and at times; even that proves insufficient. But to have an asset that can minimize injuries and not be able to access it is unconscionable!I will not even begin to explain the possible ramifications of an 'all electric-fly by wire' aircraft receiving a substantial electrical surge. During my time [before my airline career] flying fighters; our directions were clear...flying in or near thunderstorms was PROHIBITED. 'Loss of onboard flight computers SHALL result in the aircraft becoming uncontrollable.' That language makes things simple. However; we work in a different environment. To that end; EVERY asset should be made available to those that our customers...our passengers entrust their lives to. Active WiFi should; must; be required during any flight where convective weather may be encountered. I would like; one day; to see a datalink relay be created; apart from the [entertainment system]; where unfettered access to assets like WSI would be possible.




Synopsis: Air carrier Captain reported he is often dispatched with inoperative Wifi which thus restricts the Company's internet based severe weather avoidance tool.