Intelsat and Connexion by BoeingSM today
announced that Connexion by Boeing will use Intelsat satellite service for
the implementation of in-flight broadband Internet and data services for
passengers on trans-Atlantic airliners starting in 2004.
Following successful service demonstrations with Lufthansa and British
Airways earlier this year, Connexion by Boeing signed a contract with
Intelsat for satellite connectivity that will enable airborne travelers to
access high-speed Internet and data services via Intelsat’s powerful 907
satellite at 332.5ºE, the newest spacecraft in Intelsat’s global fleet.
The contract includes two transponder leases using 907’s Ku-band Spot 1 beam
for real-time transmission and reception of web pages, e-mail, data and
entertainment content. Passengers will be able to quickly connect their
laptops or Internet-enabled PDAs to wireless LANs or Ethernet jacks inside
equipped airplanes, with end-user speeds comparable to land-based cable
modem or DSL service. The satellite connectivity may also be used by
airline crews for efficient communications with ground operations.
“I believe this service is going to radically change the air travel
experience and it has opened a new type of opportunity for the satellite
industry,” said Ramu Potarazu, Chief Operating Officer, Intelsat, Ltd. “We
worked closely with Connexion by Boeing to ensure that the quality and speed
of our satellite connections met or exceeded their requirements for
successful commercial roll-out.”
“For a consumer-facing service such as ours, where quality, speed of service
and continuous connectivity is crucial, having a reliable satellite service
provider is paramount,” said Jeff Flagel, Director of Supplier Management
for Connexion by Boeing. “We truly appreciated Intelsat’s flexibility
during the service demonstrations and their willingness to re-point a
Ku-band spot beam to serve us on the important North Atlantic route once
commercial service commences in early 2004.”
About Intelsat
Intelsat, Ltd. offers telephony, corporate network, video and Internet
solutions around the globe via capacity on 25 geosynchronous satellites in
prime orbital locations. Customers in approximately 200 countries rely on
Intelsat satellites and ground resources for quality connections, global
reach and reliability. For more information, visit www.intelsat.com.
About Connexion by BoeingSM
Connexion by Boeing is the mobile information services provider bringing
high-speed Internet, data and entertainment connectivity to mobile
travelers. The service is currently available to operators of private and
executive aircraft in the U.S. The Boeing business unit recently announced
definitive service agreements with Lufthansa and Scandinavian Airlines
System (SAS) to equip their fleet of long-haul aircraft with the service
beginning in early 2004. In addition to a successful service demonstration
conducted with British Airways earlier this year, Japan Airlines also has
announced its intent to install the Connexion by Boeing service on its
long-range aircraft. For additional information, visit the Connexion by
Boeing web site at www.boeing.com/connexion.
