Inmarsat, a UK based global Satellite communications and broadband internet provider, has signed a new deal with two rival in-flight Wi-Fi operators, Gogo and OnAir, for the use of its latest Global Xpress service in the aviation market.The move means that a large number of world's airlines could soon benefit from faster in-flight wireless internet access, which will form part of an upgrade from Inmarsat's existing and considerably slower SwiftBroadband (SBB) products.
By comparison the new Global Xpress service, which was first announced last year (here), is able to deliver broadband speeds of up to 50Mbps via the operators new Ka-band based network of Satellite's (most of which form part of the new Inmarsat-5 (I-5) constellation).
Ian Dawkins, CEO of OnAir, said:
"We are delighted to be working with Inmarsat to bring passengers the next generation of inflight connectivity. That passengers want inflight connectivity is beyond doubt. The provision of a consistent global service is particularly important for our customers, so that they know exactly what to expect, wherever and whenever they fly."
"We are delighted to be working with Inmarsat to bring passengers the next generation of inflight connectivity. That passengers want inflight connectivity is beyond doubt. The provision of a consistent global service is particularly important for our customers, so that they know exactly what to expect, wherever and whenever they fly."
Gogo President and CEO, Michael Small, said:
"We believe that this is truly a game changer for our industry in that it's the first scalable global solution in the market. One of our goals is to be able to provide technology solutions that enable us to service the full-fleet needs of our current and future airline partners, regardless of aircraft size or mission."
"We believe that this is truly a game changer for our industry in that it's the first scalable global solution in the market. One of our goals is to be able to provide technology solutions that enable us to service the full-fleet needs of our current and future airline partners, regardless of aircraft size or mission."
Commercial Global Xpress based services are due to surface before the end of 2013, shortly after the mid-year launch of the first Inmarsat-5 satellite and some initial trials. Three state-of-the-art Ka-Band (702HP) satellites are expected to make up the final constellation and all should be in operation before the end of 2014.
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