A privately held California-based firm, Row 44, is part of a growing list of companies planning to offer high-speed airborne connectivity services that operate over the existing Ku-satellite system.
But Row 44, which has secured an unidentified US launch customer, will not assume the service requirements of Boeing's defunct Ku-based Connexion offering, but is offering a high-bandwidth service based on technology from satellite networks and services specialist Hughes Network Systems.
Row 44 says its equipment weighs less than 68kg (150lb) and can be installed in single-aisle aircraft in two days. It will allow travellers to use their own WiFi compatible devices and offer internet support and email with corporate virtual private network access. It has also enhanced capacity for planned services including worldwide in-flight television, says Row 44.
Chief executive John Guidon says domestic fleet-wide roll-out is expected in early 2008.
Meanwhile, the race to fill the Connexion void is under way, with some potentially large deals expected, including from former Connexion user Lufthansa. Panasonic, which is offering to replace Connexion as part of a wider commitment to its own connectivity system, revealed at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2007 in Hamburg that it has slashed initial forecast requirements to bring its service to market.
Firms from the satellite, cellular communications, wireless internet and aircraft modification industries are also teaming up under the name AirStellar to "fill the void". Another entity, ViaAir, is said to have shown interest.
Source: Flight International
