An innovative broadband solution for airline passengers integrates a satellite and LTE-based terrestrial network for superior performance.
The European Aviation Network has taken to the skies. Inmarsat and Deutsche Telekom, together with their technology partners Nokia and Thales have successfully carried out a programme of test flights in the UK.
This is an important turning point in the development of EAN, the world’s first network to integrate a satellite and air-to-ground network dedicated to providing a real in-flight broadband experience for the European aviation sector and millions of passengers travelling throughout Europe.
EAN is planned for mid 2017. The flights test the EAN system service, which includes the onboard equipment provided by Thales and the ground network provided by Deutsche Telekom and Nokia.
As a precursor to the series of test flights, Deutsche Telekom and Nokia achieved the first EAN live connection via a radio link in Nokia’s laboratory in Stuttgart, where all the components of the LTE ground network were thoroughly tested and validated. The first live connection in the field was a broadband video conference with both parties connected through the dedicated EAN LTE mobile network
“We’re delighted to have achieved such a significant milestone in building the European Aviation Network. Now, with these successful tests we once again underline our aim to be the leading European operator” says Claudia Nemat, Board Member of Europe and Technology at Deutsche Telekom. “EAN allows us to offer our customers exceptional connectivity services, not only on the ground but also in the air.”
Leo Mondale, President of Aviation at Inmarsat added: “The EAN is making very positive progress, both on the ground and in the air and this will allow us to provide the world’s first integrated service that provides a real in-flight broadband experience. The actual quality and performance of the air transport data links have exceeded design expectations, making it a real game changer for European airlines. And we’re looking forward to exceeding future milestone with all our EAN partners to bring to fruition this integrated system.”
