Commercial airlines will soon have another option for in-flight connectivity (IFC) delivered via low earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Intelsat secured a global distribution partnership with OneWeb, allowing for the development of a multi-orbit offering. The partnership builds on Intelsat’s extensive IFC experience and existing geo-stationary (GEO) satellite service, augmented with the OneWeb LEO constellation.
ATG
Gogo hits halfway on 5G deployment
Gogo hit the halfway point in its 5G network deployment. The company announced installation of the 75th upgraded tower, of the planned 150 expected at service launch planned for later this year.
Fed funds to boost Gogo’s network refresh
Gogo needs to replace the Chinese-sourced hardware in its cellular network across North America. That’s a pricey proposition. Fortunately for the company and its investors, the US government is chipping in a sizable share.
Inmarsat, Deutsche Telekom boost over-water EAN coverage
Terrestrial coverage over water? Turns out the oil rigs and wind farms in the North Sea can deliver in-flight connectivity, in addition to the energy helping power the flights.
Making the Business (Aviation) case for LEO at Gogo
“We are in active conversations in the LEO and ESA world.”
That comment from Gogo CEO Oakleigh Thorne earlier this summer kicked off significant speculation on what the next next generation (after Gogo 5G) will look like.
Gogo snags 5G STC partnership for 30 aircraft types
Gogo announced plans to develop STCs for more than 30 aircraft types as part of its 5G rollout. The deal will see Duncan Aviation provide engineering and certification services for a broad range of business jets.
IFC Trash Talking
NBAA has come and gone. Both Gogo and SmartSky made major announcements about their upcoming next-gen air-to-ground connectivity solutions. Both obliquely attacked the other in those releases, hinting at why they would be the better choice for a business jet fleet.
SmartSky goes live!
The SmartSky air-to-ground networks is – finally – live. The company officially launched commercial operations at the NBAA conference in Las Vegas this afternoon, allowing its OEM and MRO to begin installations and complete additional STCs and Value Added Resellers to activate, connect, and serve customers.
Gogo’s Value Pitch
Riding the wave of business aviation recovery, in-flight connectivity provider Gogo is on a mission to make sure the world knows it is a successful business. And one that believes its stock should be trading at a higher price.
SmartSky wins millions from, injunction against WSS
The legal battle between SmartSky and supplier WSS reached its conclusion, with SmartSky scoring a massive win. Following their initial lawsuits filed in September, and a WSS counterclaim in December, a binding arbitration ruling announced this week delivered victory to SmartSky on 14 distinct claims.