Aircell to Use LTE for In-Flight Internet Backhaul
Aircell, a provider of in-flight communications has announced its intention to base its mobile broadband network on Long Term Evolution (LTE). Aircell says that it plans to deploy LTE to enable the next generation high bandwidth mobile services such as hi-definition and interactive TV and multi- player immersive gaming that passengers will come to expect.
Aircell's LTE announcement expands on the company's demonstration of the first and only air-to-ground mobile broadband in-flight Internet solution for commercial airlines, Gogo.
"The 4G market is still evolving but one thing is for sure, passengers will want the same mobile broadband services in the air that they have on the ground," stated Joe Cruz, CTO, Aircell. "Aircell's choice of LTE ensures that our network will continue to support the services customers demand today and in the future. With LTE, Aircell's Air-to-Ground (ATG) Inflight Internet technology is future-proofed."
In addition, airline operations will benefit directly and significantly from Aircell's deployment of 4G technology, which will enable a wide array of powerful operational applications such as high-resolution weather-to-the- cockpit.
Aircell has pioneered ATG technology to deliver its mobile broadband service, Gogo, to the airplane cabin. Using an exclusive FCC frequency license, CDMA Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) Rev A protocol and network optimization and acceleration technology, Aircell is able to deliver an effective data rate of more than 12 Mbps peak to Gogo-equipped aircraft. By the end of 2009, further advances in existing technologies will enable Aircell to deliver a raw data rate of up to 22.7 Mbps to aircraft. By the beginning of 2011, Aircell expects to deploy its 4G LTE network, which will enable a throughput of up to 300 Mbps to aircraft.
"The unique advantage of ATG inflight connectivity is its rapid scalability," continued Cruz. "Unlike satellite-based systems, which must contend with significant technology hurdles and a slow technology evolution path, ATG benefits from every ground-based advance in wireless technology. The result is a highly scalable, rapidly advancing inflight connectivity technology."
Posted to the site on 16th July 2008
