Global broadband from Gogo - FAQ

Q: What exactly is Gogo announcing?

A: Gogo Business Aviation announced it will launch the first global broadband service in business aviation to use an electronically steered antenna on a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite network.

The antenna will be small enough to fit on any size business aircraft and will operate on OneWeb’s high-speed, low latency LEO broadband global network. This system will provide best-in-class global performance on the broadest range of aircraft in business aviation from light jets and turboprops to large-cabin jets.

Gogo wants to give everyone in business aviation, anywhere in the world, the ability to have an exceptional broadband experience regardless of what size aircraft they fly.

The new service, will require just one Gogo AVANCE LRU, utilizing AVANCE’s multi-bearer capability. 
 

Q: When will service be available?

A: Service for business aviation will be available shortly after the OneWeb network is completed. You can receive updates and be among the first to know when it launches by signing up here.
 

Q: Who is building the antenna?

A: Gogo has partnered with Hughes to build the antenna. Gogo’s engineers worked closely with Hughes to design the antenna – this is a Gogo antenna designed specifically for business aircraft, being built by Hughes.
 

Q: How big will the antenna be – both size and weight?

A: We’re targeting an antenna that is approximately 25 pounds in weight and small enough to fit on light jets and turboprops up to large-cabin aircraft. Further details on antenna size will be available in the coming months. 
 

Q: What does the full system (antenna, LRU) weigh?

A: We’re targeting total system weight, excluding cables, to be no more than 35 lbs. when the antenna is paired with an AVANCE SCS LRU. It will weigh slightly more when paired with an AVANCE L3 or L5.
 

Q: This service only requires one Gogo LRU, is that correct?

A: Yes, that’s correct. You only need one Gogo AVANCE LRU on the aircraft – an AVANCE SCS, L3 or L5. The antenna assembly includes the ESA, a modem, and the radome, and will be mounted on top of the fuselage.
 

Q: What about cabling – how much cabling is required?

A: For existing AVANCE customers, there are two main cables required: power and ethernet. For new installations, there are additional smaller cables for the RDAs in the cabin that will be needed.
 

Q: The network will provide true global coverage? So, there are no coverage gaps anywhere in the world, no matter where an aircraft flies?

A: Yes, that’s correct. This network will provide true global coverage, including over the Polar Regions.
 

Q: Is the performance the same regardless of aircraft size?

A: Yes. Gogo will be bringing a single antenna to the market to serve a variety of aircraft sizes – from super light jets and large turboprops to ultralong-range jets – and Gogo intends to deliver a steady stream of capacity improvements over the next decade with that form factor.
 

Q: How many satellites currently comprise the OneWeb network?

A: OneWeb has 428 satellites in operation today and plans to have 648 for its total fleet once all satellites have launched.
 

Q: When will the satellites be launched? Have any been launched already?

A: Specific questions regarding OneWeb’s launch plan should be addressed to them, but their announced plan at this time is to have the remaining satellites launched and operational by 2024 for aviation. Today there are 428 satellites in orbit.
 

Q: What will the system cost?

A: That will be coming at a later date. To get updates and be among the first to know this information, you can sign up for updates here.
 

Q: What will service plans cost?

A: That will be coming at a later date. To get updates and be among the first to know this information, you can sign up for updates here.
 

Q: What will the installation be comprised of?

A: If a customer does not have AVANCE installed today, they will need to install an AVANCE LRU (SCS, L3, or L5) and the antenna assembly which requires a connection to aircraft power and an ethernet cable between the antenna terminal and the AVANCE LRU. That’s it.
 

Q: Can I use any AVANCE system (L3, L5 or SCS)?

A: Yes – if you already have an AVANCE system installed, you’ll be able to use it alongside the new antenna to receive global broadband connectivity from Gogo.
 

Q: How is this different than what currently is available from other satellite providers?

A: There are several meaningful differences

• Gogo’s will fit on virtually any size aircraft.

• Gogo’s will have more capability (higher data throughput).

• Gogo’s is easier to install, it’s lighter, and uses less power.

• The LEO network has much lower latency. The reason is basic physics – the LEO network is about 750 miles from earth vs. GEO networks which are 22,000+ miles from earth. 

Unlike GEO solutions, Gogo’s LEO service will include one fuselage-mounted unit with an integrated antenna, modem, power supply and RF converter; will only require 28 volts of DC power; will not rely on aircraft-positioning data; and will include an AVANCE router. 

All of the above details drive reduced cost and complexity of installation, and make it easier to install on smaller aircraft – those are meaningful advantages over existing GEO systems.
 

Q: Will Gogo offer gate-to-gate service?

A: Gogo will offer gate-to-gate service in countries where it is authorized.
 

Q: How can I learn more or get info on availability?

A: While we are still in early stages, you can get updates and be among the first to know when it’s available by signing up to receive updates here. Any of the Gogo AVANCE systems will put you on the path to receive global broadband from Gogo, so we encourage you to learn more about our AVANCE systems below.