It should come as no surprise that a trio of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite operators believe more than 90% of in-flight connectivity traffic will pass over their networks in a decade’s time. Still, hearing how SpaceX, OneWeb and Telesat believe their upcoming constellations will compete for traffic during this week’s Connected Aviation Intelligence Summit reveals slightly different takes on the market and what they believe will be necessary to secure customers going forward.
OneWeb
OneWeb buys TrustComm, access to the US government market
LEO satellite operator OneWeb announced plans to acquire Texas-based TrustComm Inc., enabling it to offer Low Earth Orbit network and connectivity services to U.S. government clients and TrustComm customers.
Viasat closes on KA-SAT buy-out
Viasat now owns 100% of the KA-SAT satellite providing service over Europe. The company closed today on its purchase of Euro Broadband Infrastructure Sàrl (“EBI”), the wholesale broadband services business created as part of Viasat’s former partnering arrangement with Eutelsat Communications.
Eutelsat makes major LEO commitment with OneWeb investment
The OneWeb constellation moved significantly closer to completion this week, with a successful launch and a $550 million investment secured from Eutelsat.
De-risking IFC with OneWeb’s new JetTalk terminal
Chapter 11 is disappearing quickly from the rear view mirror. Satellite launches resumed and the constellation continues to grow. And earlier this month a new deal regarding an in-flight connectivity terminal and antenna solution helped buoy the company’s position further. To say that OneWeb is on a roll lately might be a massive understatement.
OneWeb shrinks constellation plans, expands funding
OneWeb scaled back its next generation constellation plans while also announcing hundreds of millions of dollars in additional funding that helps the company move closer to placing the initial 648 satellites into service.
OneWeb emerges from bankruptcy, ready to launch
OneWeb emerged from bankruptcy protection on Friday, poised to resume satellite launches and bring is constellation into service. The company also has a new CEO, and a satellite production facility that won’t be moving to the UK after all.
Gogo confirms "extensive" discussions to sell commercial airline inflight connectivity business
For more than two years Gogo teased the idea of splitting the company between its Commercial (airline) and Business (private) Aviation segments. The rumblings ebb and flow, but by mid-July the tone of the conversation was undeniable. Now the company confirmed the news. Gogo has retained outside advisors to assist with the formal process to “evaluate our strategic options” for the business.
Global Eagle refocuses on long-term outlook
There is an air of optimism, of relief emanating from the C-Suite at Global Eagle this week. And, to be sure, a realization that massive amounts of work remain for the company to truly succeed, but a conversation with CEO Josh Marks and President Per Noren suggests massive optimism now that the company’s interest payment burdens halve thanks to an agreement to convert debt to equity through the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing made on Wednesday.
Accessible Lavs and more wifi flying: The Weekly Wrap–10 July 2020
Improved wifi offerings from multiple vendors leads this edition of the Weekly Wrap, while an option for more accessible lav access is our feature interview. Plus lots more!