SMARTSKY Networks, a next-generation aviation communications provider, is pleased to announce the launch of the nation’s first airborne 4G LTE-based network, SmartSky 4G. SmartSky’s technology will provide more than 10 times the typical speed and capacity of networks currently in the market by using 60 MHz of spectrum for its air-to-ground (ATG) data communications.
SmartSky 4G will serve both business aviation and the airlines beginning with an exclusive beta-customer trial launch in the continental United States in late 2015. The rollout of nationwide commercial service will follow in 2016. Because the system hardware design can work at multiple frequencies, SmartSky is positioned to expand internationally in the future and provide coverage in locations where different frequency bands might be required. SmartSky is partnering with a leading group of airframe manufacturers, maintenance companies, and equipment and service providers to distribute SmartSky 4G to the business aviation community. Similarly, the company is approaching the airline market through established distribution channels, including incumbent connectivity providers. SmartSky is led by an experienced group of cellular veterans, wireless engineers, and aviation professionals. The company’s goal is to deliver airborne connectivity rivalling the robust experiences available in the office or at home. SmartSky chairman and CEO Haynes Griffin, a cellular-industry pioneer, comments, “In the wireless world, whether on the ground or in the air, speed and capacity are the critical requirements for customer satisfaction. We recognised that the aviation industry was substantially underserved, and we started work over three years ago on our plan to offer full 4G capability to the aviation market.” Last year the company filmed a live flight demonstration with multiple users on-board engaged in video conferences, streaming movies, sending and receiving large files, and other bandwidth-intensive activities all at the same time. “SmartSky 4G provides an experience that exceeds the current gold standard of network performance - it enables live, two-way, high-definition video conferencing. SmartSky 4G’s robust performance means that we can also support communications needs beyond cabin wi-fi, including many emerging operational applications,” says SmartSky president Ryan Stone.