Thanks to a partnership between Deutsche Telekom and Inmarsat, Lufthansa has announced plans to include high-speed Internet on its flights starting 2016.
Deutsche Telekom and Inmarsat have combined a mobile network and a satellite network which allows travelers in Europe in-flight high-speed Internet access.
Deutsche Telekom and Inmarsat are working together to develop the European Aviation Network combining satellite connectivity from a new Inmarsat S-band satellite with an LTE-based ground network developed and run by Deutsche Telekom.
“This bold step will make Deutsche Telekom the first telecommunications operator to take the advantages of LTE technology to the European airspace and fits perfectly into our strategy to become the leading European telco,” Deutsche Telekom CEO Tim Höttges said in a statement. “As a groundbreaking innovation we will roll out a powerful terrestrial network based on LTE within the European Aviation Network. This will be the first aviation connectivity network in Europe powered by both LTE and satellite combined! Our technology leadership provides a solid foundation for the best customer experience possible – be that on the ground or in the skies – and enables us to work with the finest partners in Europe and beyond.”
This deal seems similar to the deal Boenig made with ViaSat earlier this month. Airlines will probably continue to make more deals like this, as they try to roll out in-flight internet for their passengers.
Source: http://www.cedmagazine.com/news/2015/09/inmarsat-deutsche-telekom-partner-flight-internet