In-flight telephony specialist AirCell says it is 15 to 18 months from completing a proof-of-concept version of a system that will allow passengers to use their mobile phones onboard aircraft. The development comes as the Colorado-based company signs up the first airline customer for its in-flight wireless, cellular technology-based phone system following initial success in the corporate market.
AirCell is working closely with the US Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Communications Commission to pave the way for the in-flight use of mobile phones, says Bill Peltola, vice-president sales and marketing.
AirCell says it has the technology to develop a system to allow their use, based on its existing telephony system, says Peltola. The company wants to form a team, including a launch airline, to work on the technical, regulatory and social issues involved. AirCell has several airlines interested inparticipating and is aiming for availability in the fourth quarter of 2004, it says.
Meanwhile, Frontier Airlines has committed to a trial of AirCell's wireless system on a single Airbus A319 from December, with a view to equipping its fleet. The AirCell system uses cellular technology and wireless handsets, with services provided by 134 ground stations located throughout the USA. The system is already in service on 1,200 corporate aircraft. Pricing is significantly less than competing systems, says AirCell.
AirCell also offers global service through a service provision deal with Iridium. The initial Iridium systems are being flight tested in business jets, having been selected by fractional ownership operator Flight Options for its fleet. AirCell says it is "very close" to finalising a trial with an international airline in the first quarter of 2003, while a second US airline is interested in using the domestic AirCell system, says Steven Cutbirth, director of airline sales.
The third phase of AirCell's telephony plan is designed to lead to the use of designated personal mobile phones as digital extensions of the AirCell network. Implementation will be in conjunction with a wireless provider and is projected for 2005.
Source: Flight International
