Inmarsat, Deutsche Telekom Ink Agreement to Launch European Hybrid IFC Network

By Juliet Van Wagenen | September 21, 2015
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[Avionics Today 09-21-2015] Deutsche Telekom and Inmarsat have announced a strategic partnership to deliver connectivity across Europe’s aviation industry. A new combined LTE-based ground network and satellite network delivers travelers in Europe the advantage of in-flight Internet access.

Inmarsat and Deutsche Telekom have planned to launch a new IFC system across Europe
Inmarsat and Deutsche Telekom have planned to launch a new IFC system across Europe. Photo: Inmarsat

Deutsche Telekom and Inmarsat are working together to develop the European Aviation Network by combining satellite connectivity from a new Inmarsat S-band satellite with an LTE-based ground network developed by Deutsche Telekom. Lufthansa will be the first European hub airline to capitalize on innovative connectivity services in the sky. In early summer 2016, Lufthansa will launch a satellite-based broadband service on board its European flights, which is based on the recently launched technology provided by Inmarsat. Building on this strategic relationship, Lufthansa is committed to a flight trial program of the European Aviation Network from 2017 onwards.

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