New 3G Mobile Network Considered Ready for Airplane Use

TriaGnoSys and 3Way Networks say they have joined forces to produce the first integrated 3G mobile network using satellite communications that can be used on airplanes.

The system, which will be available this April, consists of a picocell (mini base station) that takes signals from mobile devices and transmits them to and from complimentary satellites, which in turn transmits the signals to public networks. The picocell uses UMTS (universal mobile telecommunications system) technology that also allows point-to-point communications within the site, which effectively creates a secure local network capable of supporting up to 100 devices at any one time.

According to Simon Albury, 3Way Networks' VP for sales and marketing, the partners anticipate that the main users will be the military, aid NGOs (non-governmental organizations), private ships and business jets.  But Axel Jahn, the director of TriaGnoSys, added that the system should provide a sophisticated onboard communications system that can be used eventually on air transports to remain in touch with the outside world, as well as communicating onboard.  02-11-2006.

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