Alcatel-Lucent has teamed up with Inmarsat to develop a fully integrated telecommunications network to deliver high-speed broadband services to air travellers across the EU.
The network is scheduled to enter commercial service by the end of 2016.
The companies said network “will be the world’s first truly hybrid” aviation network, consisting of an S-band satellite (Europasat), constructed by Thales Alenia Space, and a Europe-wide S-band ground network.
Inmarsat said it will be offering airlines in-flight broadband connectivity service with speeds up to 75Mbps, far in excess of the limited capabilities of North American ATG systems.
Alcatel-Lucent and Inmarsat will work together to develop the ground infrastructure component of the new Europe-wide network. The initial contract awarded to Alcatel-Lucent will see the company adapting its existing LTE technology to support the S-band spectrum.
“These enhanced capabilities across Europe will be offered alongside Inmarsat’s GX aviation services, extending Inmarsat’s broadband service coverage for aviation passengers seamlessly,” said Leo Mondale, president of Inmarsat Aviation.
Licenses for the satellite component of the network have been applied for in all EU member states, and authorization has already been received in 23 of these.
The first ground component licenses have now been received, including from one of the big five EU member states. The company is also in on-going discussions with a number of major airlines and other industry partners.