In today’s connected world, in-flight Wi-Fi remains a bastion of low throughput and user frustration. Alcatel-Lucent and carrier partner Deutsche Telekom are looking to change that with a new satellite/ground-based LTE hybrid network.
Inmarsat will provide satellite services and what has been dubbed the European Aviation Network will complement the satellite with specially adapted LTE radios and an IP mobile core.
Alcatel-Lucent will provide network operations and field services for the LTE ground network to Deutsche Telekom. The agreement with Deutsche Telekom highlights how Alcatel-Lucent is working with service providers to deliver breakthrough communications innovations to new markets to satisfy the growing demand for always-on connectivity.
Wilhelm Dresselhaus, CEO of Alcatel-Lucent Germany and head of the Deutsche Telekom sales account at Alcatel-Lucent, said: “For years, flying has been a communications black-out leaving both business and personal travelers alike feeling out of touch when in the air. We are proud to be an integral technology provider for Deutsche Telekom’s LTE-based ground network effort by adapting our LTE RAN solution to the Inmarsat S-band spectrum. Together, we are able to provide travelers in Europe with high-speed data connectivity in the air.”
Inmarsat will operate LTE in the S-band. The idea is to have a seamless transition from the ground-based LTE network to the satellite-based LTE network.
The companies are planning a commercial rollout with test flight programs for the hybrid network beginning in 2017.
Alcatel-Lucent will also provide network operations and field services for the LTE ground network to Deutsche Telekom. The companies did not provide any projected downlink or uplink speeds.
