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Enterprise Featured Article
May 06, 2008
Broadband Internet Connections Coming to Airlines
By Michael Dinan TMCnet Editor
You are now free to log onto the Internet.
Long comfortable amid reclining chairs, in-flight movies and very small bottles of red wine, airline passengers may soon connect to the Internet through a new satellite transmission platform, the technology’s developer announced today.
With data rates comparable to public Wi-Fi
hotspots on Earth, Panasonic’s (News - Alert) so-called “eXConnect” service will enable a two-way broadband Internet connection for passengers who want to watch TV, shop or use personal mobile devices, company officials said.
hotspots on Earth, Panasonic’s (News - Alert) so-called “eXConnect” service will enable a two-way broadband Internet connection for passengers who want to watch TV, shop or use personal mobile devices, company officials said.Paul Margis, chief executive officer at Panasonic Avionics Corporation, said the platform will work off of an existing fleet of 53 in-orbit satellites maintained by Intelsat (News - Alert), a Bermuda-based company.
“We believe Intelsat has the best in class satellite communications systems to provide Panasonic with the satellite resources and operating knowledge necessary for the new eXConnect service to be operationally and financially successful,” Margis said.
By using Intelsat’s existing infrastructure, Panasonic will be able to introduce eXConnect in key regions around the world, the company said. The new platform will provide an efficient and cost effective means to scale the network as demand grows, according to Panasonic.
Mobile communications is fueling the growth of satellite technology services, according to Jay Yass, Intelsat’s vice president of network services.
“The agreement with Panasonic further demonstrates Intelsat’s ability to lead the global satellite industry in creating innovative data, video and voice infrastructure solutions,” Yass said. “The Panasonic eXConnect platform, powered by the Intelsat system, delivers seamless broadband connectivity to passengers who seek Internet access wherever and whenever they need it, enabling them to stay connected while in flight.”
Established in 1979, Panasonic Avionics serves more than 200 customers worldwide and provides systems on over 3,700 aircraft. Headquartered in Lake Forest, California, the company employs more than 2,600 employees with operations in 80 locations worldwide.
Michael Dinan is a TMCNet Editor. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.
