The next generation of Intelsat’s network gained two more satellites this week. The company announced plans to deploy Intelsat 41 (IS-41) and Intelsat 44 (IS-44) in geosynchronous orbit by 2025, expanding coverage, capacity, and – most importantly – flexibility of the company’s network across the globe.
in-flight connectivity
Gogo 5G test network now online
The first seven towers of Gogo’s new 5G air-to-ground network are now online. The company announced the successful activation of its testbed as “on schedule, and on budget” as of the end of 2021.
Singapore Airlines offering free WiFi this Winter
Flying on Singapore Airlines this winter? Stay connected for free, at least for part of the flight. The carrier upped its free WiFi offering to include two hours for everyone on board.
United Airlines adds free Messaging to in-flight WiFi
United Airlines passengers now have a free, albeit limited, in-flight WiFi option on board. The carrier enabled free messaging services for travelers via its mobile app.
Inmarsat connects to first LEO payload
Over the summer Inmarsat announced plans to add multiple new layers to its satellite communication network. Today the company confirms that its first low earth orbit (LEO) test payload is operational.
OneWeb signs Airbus for military, government services contract
Airbus will distribute connectivity services from the OneWeb low earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation for military and government customers. The distribution agreement signed this week allows Airbus to add the LEO capacity to its existing portfolio and offers a hint of what the products might look like for the commercial segment.
SkyFive, Pivotel plane air-to-ground connectivity trial in Australia
Air-to-ground connectivity is coming to Australia. ATG infrastructure specialist SkyFive announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Australia’s Pivotel to undertake a detailed technical evaluation and proof-of-concept trial for the solution across a large swath of the country between Dabbo and Sydney.
Wizz Air gets online – without wifi!
The first WizzAir plane with in-flight connectivity entered service last week. But this is not a typical internet connection on a plane. Powered by fflya from ASIP Tech, the service approaches the very concept of on-board internet from a different perspective. And the implementation shows that difference
Qatar Airways poised to lease/operate Cathay 777s
Qatar Airways is looking to partners to help augment its long-haul fleet. Cathay Pacific is next up, with a couple 777s likely moving west early in 2022.
Flying Colours to sell, install SmartSky connectivity
Flying Colours Corp. the international maintenance, repair, overhaul, and completions company, signed an agreement with North Carolina-based SmartSky Networks to act as a sales and installation facility for SmartSky’s air-to-ground connectivity equipment.