Technology
Through a unique partnership with cellular providers, Gogo® began as Aircell in 1991, providing analog-based voice communications on private aircraft in North America. By the late ‘90s, we had successfully leveraged a satellite-based system to offer voice communication on overseas flights. Our next step was to devise a way to bring the power of in-air connectivity to the masses, thereby keeping travelers fully connected to life.
In 2006, we were awarded the FCC’s exclusive Air-To-Ground (ATG) 3Mhz broadband frequency license, which allowed us to build an uninterrupted network across the continental U.S. We completed our network in 2008, and revolutionized commercial air travel when we unveiled our Gogo online service on commercial flights.
In addition to Aircell’s existing ATG technology, the company will enhance current technologies via a next-generation version of ATG called “ATG-4” as well as Ka-band satellite technology when it becomes available. To date, Gogo has equipped more than 1,100 commercial aircraft and more than 5,000 business jets with our exclusive online services. Our technology options give us the unique flexibility to offer attractive solutions for every airline, aircraft, and mission. Below is a list of our current and future technologies and how they fit into our technology roadmap:
- Air-to-Ground (ATG): With a proven track record of performance, reliability, and scalability, Aircell’s ATG-based service will continue to provide a rich user experience for connected travelers by featuring 3G wireless utilizing EV-DO Rev. A.
- ATG-4: Aircell’s ATG-4 service will significantly enhance the existing ATG network and improve per aircraft capacity by approximately four times current performance through the addition of Directional Antenna, Dual Modem, and EV-DO Rev. B technologies. ATG-4 is scheduled for commercial delivery beginning in the first half of 2012. This new platform is backwards compatible and allows for upgrades to existing ATG systems through low cost retrofits.
- Ka-band satellite: Aircell’s Ka-band satellite technology will provide additional capacity to supplement what is available through ATG, ATG-4, and current generation satellite technology, as well as enable Gogo service beyond the continental United States. Based on satellite launch and antenna development schedules, Aircell expects its Ka-band technology to be available for the continental U.S. in 2013 and globally by 2015.
For the business aviation market, Aircell, a Gogo company, currently offers three different in-flight technologies, including Iridium Satellite, Inmarsat SwiftBroadband (satellite), and Gogo Biz™ (ATG). We will soon announce our plans for ATG-4 and Ka-band satellite for our business aviation customers.
