Deutsche Telekom(DT) and Inmarsat, together with their technology partners Nokia and Thales announced that they have completed a set of test flights over the UK with an integrated satellite and air-to-ground 4G network dedicated to providing in-flight broadband experience for airline passengers.
DT and Inmarsat plan to launch LTE-based European Aviation Network(EAN) next year after successful UK trials. EAN is an integrated S-band satellite and complementary LTE-based terrestrial network across Europe that will bring unprecedented passenger connectivity to the aviation industry.
The flight trial tested the performance of the onboard equipment being provided by Thales and the ground network provided by DT and Nokia. Tests were performed to see if the network could successfully attach to the ground system, which it did at all four test sites located in the south west of the UK.
The systems performed multiple successful handovers between sectors and cell towers, and maintained a stable connection. The transfer of data to and from the aircraft was also tested. The outcomes have exceeded expectations for this early flight trial and provided valuable data for the development teams.
As a precursor to the test flight series, DT and Nokia have jointly achieved the first EAN live over-the-air connection, in Nokia’s Stuttgart laboratory. There, all components of the LTE ground network were thoroughly tested and validated. The first live connection in the field was accomplished within a broadband video conference in which both parties were connected via the dedicated EAN LTE mobile network.
In addition to the live network, Nokia and DT set up a full end-to-end ground network reference system in Stuttgart, Germany, including all components and integrated on-board equipment from partner Thales, to prepare for technical challenges, for example compensation of the Doppler effect due to high aircraft speeds.
Claudia Nemat, Board Member Europe and Technology at DT
The EAN allows us to offer our customers outstanding connectivity services not only on the ground but also in the sky. The new technology based on LTE standard makes sure that EAN is flexible for any further technology developments in the future.
Leo Mondale, President of Aviation, Inmarsat
EAN is progressing extremely well, both on the ground as well as in the air, to achieve the world’s first integrated service providing true in-flight broadband experience. The actual performance and quality of the in-flight datalink exceeds design expectations and is truly game changing for European airlines.
