How does a major satellite connectivity company solve the problem of congestion at crowded (air)ports without disrupting billions of dollars in existing infrastructure? It is an answer that, much like the network (and ogres), comes with lots of layers.
air-to-ground
NetForecast launches airline WiFi service monitoring tool
Can airlines deliver a better in-flight connectivity experience if they better understand how the passenger networks are performing? That’s a major goal for NetForecast and its QMap® Inflight Internet Experience Monitoring service.
Vietnam Airlines plans short-haul WiFi service
Domestic flights across Vietnam will have internet service in the near future. Vietnam Airlines confirms its intentions to add in-flight connectivity to its domestic fleet. The news is part of a strategic alliance with local telco Viettel and will be delivered through an air-to-ground (ATG) network.
SmartSky secures FCC certification
The next certification in SmartSky’s path to operations is secured. The company announced that the ground-based remote radiohead for its next-generation air-to-ground network has received Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval.
Honeywell, SmartSky sign distribution deal
SmartSky announced a new distribution partner for its in-flight connectivity services. Honeywell will add the business aviation distribution option to its existing portfolio of IFC offerings.
Gogo hits 5G installation milestone
The next generation of Gogo’s air-to-ground in-flight connectivity network is taking shape. The company announced a number of development milestones this week, including installation of the first ground tower infrastructure and test flights.
SmartSky activates test corridor, moves towards nation-wide deployment
With the “completion of all technical milestones and the opening of the first fully operational coverage zone,” the SmartSky in-flight connectivity network is beginning to come online. Route-based flight demonstrations can be performed, marking a major pivot point as it moves towards certification and commercial launch.
Safran boosts SkyFive, leads Series A funding
Air-to-ground connectivity company SkyFive bolstered its bank account this week, closing a Series A funding round. The round was led by Safran Corporate Ventures. Also participating in the round was STAR Capital, a European private equity fund manager with a track record of developing emerging infrastructure businesses.
Gogo boosts unlimited streaming subscription option
Unlimited monthly data on board is now available on Gogo’s Biz 4G air-to-ground network. The option is one of three new pricing plans added to the company’s portfolio as it continues to see increased demand for higher bandwidth use cases, including streaming video services, from its business jet customers.
Jet Edge upgrades to Gogo Business Aviation Streaming Wi-Fi
Business jet operator Jet Edge plans to outfit its full fleet of super-mid Challenger and large Cabin Gulfstream aircraft with the Gogo Business Aviation AVANCE L5 offering. In addition to the upgraded on-board hardware the solution will support streaming video solutions for passengers.