Alcatel-Lucent is providing Deutsche Telekom with a complete LTE network for the European Aviation Network, a commercial hybrid LTE and satellite network for inflight broadband across Europe. Alcatel-Lucent will deploy its Radio Access Network (RAN) technology using customized remote radio heads (RRHs) and the IP Mobile Core as well as network operations and field service support. The project also involves the deployment of Inmarsat's S-band satellite services to enable fast, reliable Internet access in the air.
Last month, Deutsche Telekom and Inmarsat announced partnership to leverage LTE-based ground network and satellite network to deliver in-flight high-speed Internet access to air travelers in Europe.
Alcatel-Lucent and Deutsche Telekom entered into a research project in 2009, leading to the first test flight in 2011 when the companies jointly tested LTE for use in air-to-ground networks.
With inflight Internet services, passengers in an airplane will be able to use their Wi-Fi enabled personal mobile devices to enjoy mobile data access using the seamless transition between the LTE ground network and the satellite network. The network will also open up opportunities for airlines to offer innovative consumer-led data services to passengers.
Wilhelm Dresselhaus, CEO of Alcatel-Lucent Germany and Head of the Deutsche Telekom sales account at Alcatel-Lucent
We are proud to be an integral technology provider for Deutsche Telekom's LTE-based ground network effort by adapting our LTE RAN solution to the Inmarsat S-band spectrum.
