In-flight GSM and WiFi connection specialist OnAir has signed an agreement with mobile satellite communications business Inmarsat to provide high-speed broadband connectivity for the aeronautical market. It’ll make OnAir the first Aviation Distribution Partner for Inmarsat’s ultra-fast Ka-band Global Xpress network.
OnAir currently uses Inmarsat to provide the connectivity for its Mobile OnAir and Internet OnAir services. Global Xpress, which is expected to be introduced in late 2014, will provide up to 50Mbps outbound data and up to 4.4Mbps inbound data to aircraft as they fly around the world. Customers will be able to connect their smartphones, tablets and laptops via an onboard WiFi hotspot.
Ian Dawkins, CEO of OnAir, said “We are delighted to be working with Inmarsat to bring passengers the next generation of inflight connectivity, with the introduction of live TV being one of the highlights. The provision of a consistent global service is particularly important for our customers, so that they know exactly what to expect, wherever and whenever they fly.”