SmartSky Networks is getting closer to the full commercial roll-out of its 4G LTE-based air-to-ground (ATG) inflight connectivity service and has completed its first media demonstration.
The company’s Citation Excel took flight recently from Melbourne International Airport with the media encouraged to do multiple things online simultaneously.
SmartSky says they conducted real-time video calls with colleagues across the country. They also seamlessly streamed movies (no buffering), and used their phones to do everything from check their calendars to search the web.
It says they also easily accessed corporate clouds, and successfully sent and received data on multiple VPN sessions.
“Basically, we said, put us to the test,” says SmartSky Networks Vice President, Product Management Eric Brooks, who was on the flight.
“They experienced what we’ve been saying from Day One: SmartSky delivers on the promise of office-like internet access in the sky.”
Following the flight, the media participated in a debrief at the Satcom Direct hangar, then toured Avidyne.
SmartSky partners with Avidyne for the manufacture, certification and support of its air-to-ground wireless connectivity products.
SmartSky and Avidyne have worked closely to develop specialised products for business aircraft, including airborne radios and antennas.
Avidyne secures Parts Manufacturing Authorization (PMA) for new hardware, provides ground- and flight-test services, and develops the initial Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for installation.
After the tour, the group returned to the Satcom Direct (SD) hangar for an interview with SD Senior Commercial Director Derek Donahue and Director of Sales-Strategic Partnerships Jim Huntoon.
SD has achieved many firsts since its founding in 1997, including its patented Global One Number (GON) simplified calling to an aircraft in flight.
SD serves as SmartSky’s exclusive customer service and support provider. The company offers many value-added services and products, including the industry’s premier airborne router.
SmartSky says its patented 4G technology with beamforming and efficient air-to-ground network gives passengers an office-in-the-sky experience and operators a new, better way of managing their aircraft communications.
Source: http://www.getconnected.aero/2017/11/smartsky-4g-lte-commercial-launch/