Aircell which delivers WiFi on airplanes, via its Gogo service, today announced its intention to base its airplane-to-ground link on Long Term Evolution (LTE).
Aircell uses an exclusive FCC frequency license to provide a cellular data channel to airplanes. It currently uses CDMA EVDO Rev A to deliver an effective data rate of more than 12 Mbps peak to Gogo-equipped aircraft. By the end of 2009, Aircell says further advances in existing technologies will enable Aircell to deliver a raw data rate of up to 22.7 Mbps to aircraft.
By the beginning of 2011, Aircell expects to deploy a 4G LTE network, which will enable a throughput of up to 300 Mbps to aircraft. Aircell, however, is not a terrestrial service, so any benefits to consumers would likely be faster WiFi speeds onboard aircraft.
“With LTE, Aircell’s Air-to-Ground (ATG) Inflight Internet technology is future-proofed,” stated Joe Cruz, CTO, Aircell.
Aircell plans to deploy LTE to enable the next generation ultra-high bandwidth mobile services such as hi-definition and interactive TV and multi- player immersive gaming. Their 4G ground link will also enable operational applications such as high-resolution weather to the cockpit.
Aircell joins wireless giants AT&T, Verizon and Alltel in selecting LTE as the choice for 4G network technology.
Gogo service, powered by Aircell, will be available on American Airlines and Virgin America later in 2008. Gogo turns a commercial airplane into a Wi-Fi hotspot. It’s available to passengers with Wi-Fi enabled personal devices such as laptops, smartphones and PDAs.
Once the system goes live, it will cost $12.95 for those who log on during flights longer than three hours and $9.95 for shorter flights. Access to American’s Web site, Frommer’s online travel guides and some news headlines will be free, however.
In-flight broadband is taking off — with and without voice:
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American Airlines:
Aircell won the rights to 3-MHz on the 800-MHz spectrum to deliver broadband to airlines from terrestrial towers. Passengers connect via Wi-Fi inside planes. AA began testing the service on its fleet of Boeing 767-200 aircraft in August 2007, with the goal is to provide broadband service to all passengers in 2008. -
Alaska Airlines:
Row 44 is providing Ku band transponders with downlink speeds of 81Mbps and uplink speeds of 1.6 Mbps. Passengers get a Wi-Fi connection for Internet, e-mail, VPNs, and stored in-flight entertainment for $10 for up to two hours, $15 for 2-5hr and $20 for more than 5hr. If the airline chooses, the link can also be used to support VoIP from dual-mode phones. Row 44 leases Ku-band satellite transponders from several operators, but is managed through HughesNet. Alaska hopes to have Wi-Fi connections on all 144 of its planes and more than 100 channels of live television. -
Air France:
As well as AirAsia, Oman Air and Jazeera Airways offer OnAir inflight passenger communications services. -
Virgin America:
Virgin America will be the second major U.S. airline to employ Aircell for Wi-Fi enabled devices. Additionally, the airline’s Red Inflight Entertainment network will allow customers to use a wide variety of instant messaging services on their seatbacks, including MSN messenger, Google talk, Yahoo! messenger, and AIM. The company hopes to have its all of its planes connected “sometime in 2008.” -
JetBlue:
Plans a nation-wide PlaneFi service using LiveTV, a wholly owned subsidiary of JetBlue that won rights to 1 MHz of the 800-MHz spectrum last year. They’re currently trialling free e-mail and instant-messaging on one Airbus A320. Wi-Fi connects user devices (no voice). If the trial goes well, JetBlue is expected to expand the service.
Related DailyWireless stories include; JetBlue Buys Airfone, Row 44: Cleared for Take Off, FAA: Go For Aircell Launch , Aircell Vs Row44: Two for Two, FlyFi Takes Off, Lufthansa & AA Trying WiFi — Again, Inflight Phones Banned by FAA?, AirCell on Virgin by 2008, Wireless Voice on Airplanes? Yes & No, AirCell Demos Inflight WiFi, Aircell for Planes, FCC Rules on Airplane Cellular, Connexion On Again?, Dis Connexion, Connexion Dying, AirFone Dead, Airplane Internet Auction Over, Airplane Wireless Auction (Virtually) Over, AirCell Demos Inflight WiFi and Connexion Press Junket.
