AirCell Releases Some Details about New Broadband Service

AirCell released some early details about the new high-speed broadband data system it plans to offer to business aviation early next year.

Essentially, AirCell says it will offer high-speed connectivity to business aircraft operators with a substantially lower cost, weight, and complexity than any system available now or in the foreseeable future, using the technology found in the newest generation of ground-based mobile wireless devices.

According to Jack W. Blumenstein, AirCell's president and CEO, high-speed connectivity in the air has lagged behind broadband services that are widely available on the ground, but with this new service "business aircraft travelers will be able to use their own compatible Wi-Fi laptops, PDA's and dual-mode Smartphones in the cabin - at DSL direct speeds - just like they do on the ground."

The AirCell broadband link will be a modular plug-in option available exclusively to business aircraft equipped with its Axxess cabin system.  When installed, passengers will log on to the Axxess 802.11b/g "hotspot" with connection speeds comparable to DSL (digital subscriber line) service.  The system will use a single LRU (line replaceable unit) that weighs less than 15 lbs and connects via integrated Ethernet port.

At launch, the system will provide full, seamless coast-to-coast, border to border coverage above 10,000 feet, with an automatic transition between ground stations, using the air-to-ground frequencies awarded to AirCell in 2006 by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.  AirCell says it plans service in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean in the future.

The company will announce additional pricing and additional technical specifications in the near future.

To assist customers in planning their MagnaStar-replacement strategies and other equipment purchases, AirCell has published a whitepaper entitled "AirCell Broadband Service: A Technology Primer for Business Aviation."  03-31-2007.

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