Satcom Direct and TrueNorth Avionics Integrate Cabin Communications

Satcom Direct and TrueNorth Avionics are introducing what they describe as an integrated voice and data cabin communications system through a single cabin network.

The offering, dubbed Simphonē, will work together, or individually, with existing Iridium and Inmarsat Aero H, H+, I and Swift 64 satcom systems, to provide all of today's expected voice and data services, but now will also support Satcom Direct's Aero X high-speed data offering, and will work with all future broadband services.

Simphonē will work with presently installed high-speed cabin Wi-Fi routers, and will allows operators to use their next generation Wi-Fi enabled GSM (global system for mobile communications) phone, thereby providing seamless mobile-to-aircraft portability using VoIP (voice over Internet protocol).  And because it is based on VoIP and Ethernet technologies, Simphonē is scalable and configurable to meet customer specifications, according to the companies.

Mark van Berkel, the founder of TrueNorth Avionics, says the system will be able to use the same mobile handset on the ground and on the aircraft without installing an expensive GSM pico cell, and will also supports softphones and PDA (personal digital assistant) phones.  04-24-2006.

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