Alcatel-Lucent has signed a contract with Deutsche Telekom to deliver an LTE ground network which communicates with aeroplanes and complements satellite services from Inmarsat, in order to meet rapidly evolving demand for broadband data connectivity on European flights. The European Aviation Network (EAN) will consist of an LTE ground network component, provided by Alcatel-Lucent, using its specially adapted radios and IP Mobile Core, combined with a satellite network component.
Alcatel-Lucent will also provide network operations and field services for the LTE ground network to Deutsche Telekom. Passengers will be able to use their WLAN-enabled mobile devices to use mobile data access using the seamless transition between the LTE ground network and the satellite network. The network will also open up opportunities for airlines to offer consumer-led data services to passengers.