Getting high-speed satellite-based internet service on to regional jets has proven an uphill battle to date. Antenna manufacturer ThinKom hopes its Ka2517 solution can help. The company released details of a study this week confirming its antenna can fly on smaller fuselages without dramatically increasing drag.
Deutsche Telekom
Vueling gets online with Inmarsat’s EAN connectivity
Flying an LCC in Europe no longer means being disconnected while in the sky. IAG’s Vueling operation soft-launched inflight wifi connectivity delivered via the European Aviation Network (EAN), powered by Inmarsat and Deutsche Telekom, on five of its aircraft earlier this month. Vueling is the third EAN airline and the first LCC with the service.
Deutsche Telekom introduces flat-rate pricing for inflight wifi
Last Fall Deutsche Telekom promised an integrated billing solution that would give its mobile phone customers easier access to the inflight connectivity solution on more than 200 Lufthansa Group aircraft. As of this week that promise is fulfilled. Customers subscribing to the new “Inflight Europa Flat” add-on package on their cell phone plan now receive seamless access to wifi on board the Group’s A320 family of planes.
Making the best of a limited bandwidth situation
Flights mostly outside Inmarsat’s European Aviation Network (EAN) terrestrial network coverage area present a special challenge of service levels and expectations. Here’s how the company is handling them in at least one scenario.
Shipping ATG out to sea
Air-to-ground connectivity networks do not work over water. The word ground is right there in the name. Not ocean, not sea. Ground. And yet, Deutsche Telekom has its eyes on changing the rules of ATG networking, bringing the technology to some overwater flights to further support Inmarsat’s European Aviation Network (EAN) operations. The idea might not be as crazy as it sounds.
PaxEx Premium: Shipping ATG out to sea
Air-to-ground connectivity networks do not work over water. The word ground is right there in the name. Not ocean, not sea. Ground. And yet, Deutsche Telekom has its eyes on changing the rules of ATG networking, bringing the technology to some overwater flights to further support Inmarsat's European Aviation Network (EAN) operations. The idea might not be as crazy as it sounds.
Eurowings, Deutsche Telekom deliver free wifi on board
Eurowings passengers can now connect to the internet for free in flight. But can a free tease deliver the revenue boost desired? Or will passengers remain averse to paying for internet in the sky?
Easing access to wifi: Telekom & Lufthansa Group integrate billing
In the Americas the relationship between Gogo and TMobile to deliver complimentary inflight wifi to passengers is well established. Europe is about to see a similar solution launch. Telekom and Lufthansa Group are teaming up to deliver connectivity in the sky as part of the mobile tariff on the ground.
Allez, EAN! Approval arrives in France for Inmarsat’s newest service
Inmarsat’s European Aviation Network just received a significant regulatory boost: it is now authorized to fly in France. That was a significant geographic gap in the coverage area that is now filled. Great new particularly for British Airways with its aircraft already being fitted to launch service later this year.
EAN Set to Fly in Europe
The Inmarsat EAN inflight wifi connectivity network is fully built out. Aircraft installations are underway. So, where will we find the aircraft sporting the kit and when will it enter commercial service? Some answers are starting to show up.