Australia is set to become one of the first countries to have a nationwide aerial broadband network, akin to the European Aviation Network (EAN), following plans announced by rural and remote communication solutions provider Pivotel.
Pivotel, an Australian owned and operated global provider of rural, remote and critical communication solutions, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Germany’s specialist in-flight connectivity company SkyFive, to undertake a detailed technical evaluation and proof-of-concept trial of SkyFive’s Direct-Air-To-Ground (DA2G) solution.
The partnership will see Pivotel deploy a DA2G network powered by Nokia’s eNodeB and NEC’s iPasolink Microwave technology, providing coverage to an area of around 50,000 square kilometres between Dubbo and Sydney. The trial will also include Flightcell’s onboard terminal, showcasing how the combined technologies can benefit the air traveller experience, in-flight operations and enable a wide range of practical data-intensive applications for public safety aviation.
SkyFive’s DA2G land-based mobile networks and services are optimised for aerial coverage, addressing the specific technical challenges associated with altitude and speed. Those provide data speeds of up to 100 Mbps, with less than 50 milliseconds of true end-to-end latency, providing an entirely private and secure service dedicated to airborne aircraft, while also offering the ability to integrate with services on the ground at airports or heliports.
Stakeholder engagement has already begun with a number of commercial airlines and agencies expressing interest in participating in the trial, including the Royal Flying Doctors Service (Southeastern Section). The service will provide users with access to high-speed and secure connectivity to their private networks, while also allowing Internet-based real-time applications to be utilised, such as streaming high-definition video, transmitting critical patient biometric data to hospitals, plus a wide range of other data driven services.
In Europe, the EAN currently covers more than 35 countries and utilises Nokia’s products and SkyFive technology to provide data services to passengers and crew travelling in high-altitude jet aircraft. Recently, SkyFive launched a POC network in New Zealand, where in addition to commercial aviation, public safety use-cases are being demonstrated.
To make the trial possible, Pivotel and SkyFive have secured a scientific spectrum license in the proposed A2G frequency band. The use of this dedicated radio frequency spectrum is the key enabler for both the performance and data security of DA2G communications.
Once the trial is successful, Pivotel plans to roll out a national DA2G network across Australia.
