ITASCA, Ill., March 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Aircell(R) announces the
completion and full operational readiness of the nation's first wireless
network designed specifically to provide mobile broadband services to
commercial and business airline passengers while flying over the U.S. The
company's wireless network enables full corporate and personal email, VPN
access, web surfing and much more. Aircell, a 16-year leader in business
aviation communications, now marks another historical milestone in the
company's history by placing into full operational service the nation's
first mobile broadband network built for aircraft operating in the
continental U.S.
In January of this year, the company completed its nationwide wireless
Air-To-Ground (ATG) network, bringing for the first time coast-to-coast,
border-to-border, mobile broadband coverage over the U.S. to commercial
airlines and business aircraft. Unlike all other wireless networks in the
nation, the Aircell network can provide air travelers with seamless
connectivity when using their inflight mobile broadband Internet service,
called Gogo -- a first for the communications industry and a first for the
U.S. aerospace industry. The world's largest airline, American Airlines and
one of America's newest airlines, Virgin America, have already signed
agreements with Aircell to deploy its service in 2008.
In addition to completing and successfully deploying its nationwide
network, Aircell successfully confirmed the reach and strength of its
network by following up its inaugural cross-country flight, where broadband
connectivity provided Web browsing and secure emailing capabilities
throughout the flight, with months of further test flights and network
operation against stringent performance criteria.
"We are open for business and ready to help our airline partners
deliver a service that three quarters of a billion passengers can use while
flying over the U.S. each year," said Jack Blumenstein, CEO of Aircell.
"Air travel over the U.S. is entering another golden age. The experience of
air travel will continue to evolve with new broadband services and
capabilities," said Blumenstein.
As part of its national ATG network build-out, the company constructed
cell sites throughout the country in an extraordinarily short period of
time. Placement of cell sites ranged from windy, snow topped mountain peaks
at 12,000 feet to remote desert terrain below sea level. Despite
challenging conditions, network completion was accomplished far ahead of
time requirements set by the company's FCC license agreement. The first
site was activated on August 25, 2007 and the final site, which finalized
the nationwide network, went live on January 29th, just five months later.
"These major milestones have clearly set Aircell apart from other
operators and one that has reinforced its position as the industry leader
as well as the premier connectivity solution in the air," said Joe Cruz,
SVP and CTO of Aircell.
Aircell continues to fly aircraft over the U.S. to test and optimize
its network, ensuring its airline partners and passengers are provided with
a seamless and truly outstanding customer experience. "There is a lot of
air space over the U.S., and our team continues to fly to all corners to
ensure no matter where a commercial or private plane travels, the
connectivity is seamless," said Cruz. "It is exciting to have been part of
history in the making now that our network is tested and fully
operational," Cruz continued.
A premier communications provider for the business aviation industry,
Aircell has broadened its technology expertise by designing and pioneering
ATG communications technologies. With unsurpassed expertise in both
satellite and ATG technologies, the company has confirmed development of a
solution that is here today and built for the future demands of its airline
partners and their flying passengers.
In January, Aircell and American Airlines completed the first-ever
installation of the ATG technology on a commercial aircraft and is now
completing installation on the remaining 14 aircraft which is expected to
go live in 2008. Service on 15 American Airlines aircraft is expected to go
live in the first half of 2008. Aircell is also working with Virgin America
to bring mobile broadband service to all of the carriers' passengers in
2008 and will set another first by integrating with Virgin America's
In-Flight- Entertainment (IFE) system, Red(TM).
About Aircell
Aircell LLC is the world's leading provider of airborne communications.
As winner of an exclusive FCC frequency license in 2006, Aircell has built
a revolutionary new mobile broadband network for commercial and business
aviation. In 2008, the Aircell Network and its inflight portal, known as
Gogo(TM), will revolutionize the commercial airline passenger flight
experience, delivering a robust Internet experience at 35,000 feet. The
Aircell Network will also provide airlines with connectivity to operations
and a path to enhanced cabin services such as video, audio, television,
cellular voice, cellular data and more. Beginning in 2009, business
aircraft operators will be offered a similar feature set. Aircell has
facilities in Louisville, Colorado, and Itasca, Illinois. Aircell's vision
is to give everyone the ability to stay in touch, in flight(R). For more
information about Aircell, please visit http://www.aircell.com.
About Gogo
Gogo(TM) Inflight Internet turns a commercial airplane into a Wi-Fi
hotspot, enabling passengers to surf the Web, check any e-mail, log on to
their corporate VPN and more. Plus, each paid Internet session includes
access to The Wall Street Journal(R) Online. Gogo, powered by Aircell, will
be available on American Airlines and Virgin American in 2008. For more
information about Gogo, please visit http://www.gogoinflight.com.
Aircell is a registered trademark of Aircell LLC. All other trademarks
are the property of their respective owners.
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