Leo Mondale, Inmarsat’s President Aviation.
Inmarsat has appointed Alcatel-Lucent as technology partner for its new Europe-wide hybrid air-to-ground network.
This will be the world’s first hybrid aviation network, consisting of an S-band satellite (Europasat), constructed by Thales Alenia Space, and a Europe-wide S-band ground network.
The network is scheduled to enter commercial service by the end of 2016.
The integrated network, based on LTE technology, will offer in-flight broadband connectivity with speeds of up to 75Mbps.
Inmarsat says this will make it the fastest inflight network in the world.
Alcatel-Lucent and Inmarsat will work together to develop the ground infrastructure.
Alcatel-Lucent has proven expertise in the development of 4G LTE-based air-to-ground technology and was the world’s first company to field trial this technology in 2011.
The initial contract awarded to Alcatel-Lucent will see the company adapt its existing 4G LTE technology to support the S-band spectrum.
Leo Mondale, President of Inmarsat Aviation, said: “Together with world leading partners, such as Alcatel-Lucent, Inmarsat is setting a new standard for aviation connectivity, enabling airlines to offer their passengers access to online services for work or leisure using their own devices and with reliability and speeds previously only available on the ground.
“These enhanced capabilities across Europe will be offered alongside Inmarsat’s GX aviation services, extending Inmarsat’s broadband service coverage for aviation passengers seamlessly, wherever airlines fly; positioning us as the leader in passenger connectivity.
“We selected Alcatel-Lucent as a partner in the development of the ground network component due to their cutting-edge work in 4G LTE-based air-to-ground technology, and we are looking forward to partnering with them throughout the roll-out of this unique aviation service for Europe.”
Licenses for the satellite component of the network have been applied for in all EU Member States, and authorisation has already been received in 23 of them.
The first ground component licenses have now been received, including a licence from one of the big five EU member states, and good progress has been made with a number of others.
The company is also in on-going discussions with a number of major airlines and other industry partners.
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