Inflight Wi-Fi provider Aircell announced a technology roadmap that includes deploying CDMA EV-DO Rev. B for its next-generation air-to-ground (ATG) service and embracing Ka-band technology to beef up its capacity and provide service where ATG won't work.
Aircell said its next-generation of ATG, known as ATG-4, will enhance its existing EV-DO Rev. A network by improving per-aircraft capacity by about four times the current performance through a directional antenna, dual modem and EV-DO Rev. B technologies. Aircell said its ATG-4 technology is scheduled for commercial delivery in the first half of 2012.
Aircell's Ka-band satellite technology will also provide additional capacity as well as enable Aircell to offer connectivity beyond the continental U.S. Aircell said it expects the technology to become available for the U.S. market in 2013 and globally by 2015. In the meantime, Aircell said it would build Ku-band service for airlines flying internationally.
Aircell said the move will also allow it to better serve larger aircraft with higher capacity needs, and airlines will be able to choose the technology that best suits certain aircraft at a particular time, meaning airlines can upgrade from one Aircell platform to another.
In the business aviation market, Aircell currently offers three different inflight technologies, including Iridium Satellite, Inmarsat SwiftBroadband (satellite) and Gogo Biz (ATG). Specific details about ATG-4 and Ka-band Satellite technologies for the business aviation market will be released in the coming months.
For more:
- see this release
Related articles:
iPass leverages Aircell's Gogo Inflight Internet service
Aircell scores deal with Alaska Airlines
United Airlines goes with Aircell's Gogo inflight WiFi service
Delta offers in-flight Internet this week