A2G solution from Thales, Nokia and SkyFive

Thales in the UK, Nokia and SkyFive have internationally launched a new 4G LTE Air to Ground (A2G) solution, following its implementation across Europe.

The technology is being rolled out in regions around the world where domestic and international carriers will be able to use the 4G masts on land. It has been developed through a collaborative partnership with Thales providing the onboard terminal (modem+RF) and antenna; Nokia responsible for on-ground infrastructure and SkyFive’s patented software algorithms ensuring that aircraft can reliably connect at high speeds, high altitudes and across long ranges.

The 4G LTE solution offers connectivity with speeds up to 100Mbps and latency of less than 50ms. Utilising existing 4G technology, A2G connects aircrafts with the nearest purpose-built on-ground towers, which are densely grouped to prevent aircrafts sharing bandwidth, handing over between masts mid-flight to create consistently fast 4G connectivity throughout journeys. The network’s design also means A2G has greater capacity per km2 than current satellites.

According to the three partners, aboard A2G enabled aircraft, the experience for passengers will be comparable to using a 4G mobile phone service on the ground, with passengers able to make uninterrupted video-conferencing calls, watch live TV or stream the latest series in HD from their own handset.

The compact nature of the 4G antenna reduces CO2 emissions and cuts installation times down to just 12 hours.

The parties claim that once installed, new 4G enabled in-flight capabilities will create an aircraft environment for an Internet of Things in which operational efficiencies such as engine offload data can be viewed in real time, customer experience can be measured and targeted advertising can be introduced. Better connectivity can also support the facilitation of new COVID-19 safety protocols as they are implemented.

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