Louisville-based AirCell has signed a deal with American Airlines to offer high- speed Internet services to passengers on select routes next year, the companies announced Wednesday.

AirCell said it's also in "advanced discussions" with other airlines to provide similar services.

"We're so thrilled this is happening with this little company out of Colorado," said AirCell Chief Executive Jack Blumenstein.

AirCell last year won an exclusive license to provide the Internet services on planes in the U.S. with a bid of $31.3 million at a Federal Communications Commission auction. The company hopes the deal with American, the world's largest airline, will encourage others to follow suit.

American spokeswoman September Wade said the service will be tested on 15 Boeing 767-200 aircraft that primarily fly transcontinental routes.

Passengers, for a fee, will be provided a high-speed Internet connection, e-mail capabilities and other services through Wi-Fi enabled laptop computers and personal digital assistants. Prices haven't been set.

Blumenstein noted he's previously said such services are likely to be offered at "somewhere around $10" a flight. He wouldn't disclose the potential value of the deal.

Wade said American is responding to customers who have expressed a desire for high-speed Internet services.

"We will take time to evaluate whether or not it's a service of value," then consider offering it more broadly, she said.

The technology will use three antennas installed on the outside of the aircraft, and cell towers throughout the U.S. for transmitting and receiving signals.

Use is subject to requirements by the FCC and the Federal Aviation Administration. For example, passengers will be able to use the service only when the airplane is above 10,000 feet, Blumenstein said.

There was some question last summer whether enhanced security measures would render AirCell's license useless. Blumenstein said the company has been working closely with federal air marshals on security issues.