Aircell has announced the completion and full operational readiness of the wireless network designed specifically to provide mobile broadband services to commercial and business airline passengers while flying over the U.S.

 

This wireless network enables full corporate and personal email, VPN access, web surfing and much more. Unlike all other wireless networks in U.S, the Aircell network provides air travelers with “seamless connectivity” when using their in-flight mobile broadband Internet service, called Gogo, which is said to be the first for the communications industry and a first for the U.S. aerospace industry.

 

Aircell informs that in January of this year, they completed the nationwide wireless Air-To-Ground (ATG) network, bringing for the “first time coast-to-coast, border-to-border, mobile broadband coverage over the U.S. to commercial airlines and business aircraft.”
 

In addition to completing and successfully deploying its nationwide network, Aircell also has confirmed the reach and strength of its network by following up its inaugural cross-country flight.

 

According to the company, broadband connectivity provided Web browsing and emailing capabilities throughout the flight, with months of further test flights and network operation against stringent performance criteria.

 

Jack Blumenstein, CEO at Aircell, stated that Aircell is open for business and ready to help their airline partners deliver a service that three quarters of a billion passengers can use while flying over the U.S. each year,.

 

He also commented, “Air travel over the U.S. is entering another golden age. The experience of air travel will continue to evolve with new broadband services and capabilities.”

 

American Airlines and Virgin America have already signed agreements with Aircell to deploy its service in 2008.

 

Aircell and American Airlines completed the installation of the ATG technology on a commercial aircraft in January. Currently, they are completing installation on the remaining 14 aircraft which is expected to go live in 2008. Aircell informs that service on 15 American Airlines aircraft is scheduled to go live in the first half of 2008.

 

Also, Aircell is working with Virgin America to bring mobile broadband service to all of the carriers’ passengers in 2008.

 

As part of its national ATG network build-out, the company has also constructed cell sites throughout the country. The first site was activated on August 25, 2007 and the final site, which finalized the nationwide network, went live on January 29.

 

“These major milestones have clearly set Aircell apart from other operators and one that has reinforced its position as the industry leader as well as the premier connectivity solution in the air,” said Joe Cruz, SVP and CTO at Aircell.