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Request quote for Airborne Broadband Internet
Airborne Broadband Internet - Here At Last
For years we’ve all heard the chatter about an “office in the sky” concept for business aircraft. To be connected during flight and work seamlessly from your
aircraft utilizing high-speed Internet access is the ultimate in-flight experience. Until recently, aircraft Internet connectivity has only been available to
those flying large, cabin-class aircraft due to the high dollar cost of equipment and user fees.
With in-flight high-speed Internet access provided through domestic broadband and SwiftBroadband systems, business aircraft passengers can use their laptops
or PDAs to enjoy a true high-speed Internet experience - from full-on web surfing, to real time e-mail with attachments, streaming video, transferring large
files, and accessing corporate VPNs. Simply stated, high-speed Internet access represents the absolute best combination of speed, size and cost available
today for any business aircraft.
Domestic broadband and SwiftBroadband systems have now entered into the market and are suitable for operators of smaller aircraft. A data system combined
with a cabin router provides wired or wireless Wi-Fi capability at greatly reduced acquisition and operation costs over previous systems. There are three available
networks to choose from with components manufactured by several avionics companies competing for the airborne Internet market.
Iridium
The maximum data speed of Iridium is currently at 2.4 Kbps and offers worldwide coverage utilizing the Iridium low altitude satellite system. Iridium supports
voice and very low bandwidth data and uses a top mounted antenna about the size of a hockey puck.
SwiftBroadband
The maximum data speed of SwiftBroadband is currently at 432 Kbps per channel and also offers worldwide coverage. The system utilizes the high altitude Inmarstat
satellite system that supports voice and high-speed data. The antenna size and type are an airframe consideration that can greatly affect the system bandwidth
performance.
Aircell High Speed Internet
The maximum data speed of Aircell’s High Speed Internet is currently at 3.1 Mbps and offers coverage in the continental United States. Two bottom-mounted
antennas are required to communicate with a network of modified air-to-ground towers similar to today’s cell phone technology. Data operation is limited to
above 10,000 feet.
User rate plans vary in cost between networks, but have become very similar in design to what is considered common in the cell phone industry. A monthly
fee is charged that includes a set amount of predetermined Mbs usage, plus an additional fee for any Mbs over the contract rate. For high volume Internet users,
an unlimited use plan is available.
Selection of a data system is based on operator expectations, estimated usage and the location of flight (inside or outside of the U.S.). The faster the
data speed, the faster you can get things done, but data speed might need to be compromised due to the area of aircraft operation. One network may not provide
all desirables, but the good news is that several networks can be combined for optimum system performance.
For example, an Aircell High Speed data system can be combined with a SwiftBroadband system using a Wi-Fi router. This ultimate configuration provides the
operator with the fastest data operation in the U.S., worldwide coverage at a lower speed outside of the U.S. and Wi-Fi operation anywhere including on the
ground and below 10,000 feet. Handsets can also be added for worldwide voice calls.
We are all familiar with the airline FAA restrictions to turn off laptop computers, cell phones and wireless devices during flight. The reasoning behind
this is that wireless technology can interfere with flight-critical equipment and therefore should be treated by all with a safety concern. Certified wireless
Wi-Fi installations require full compliance with current regulations inclusive of extensive EMI (electromagnetic interference) testing and an ICA (instructions
for continued airworthiness) resulting in an FAA approved STC’d installation. All installation agencies should consider the effects that wireless Wi-Fi
transmitters might have on safety and utilize proper STC certification methods. The STC’d installation for Wi-Fi is the FAA approved method required to eliminate
concerns for safety,interface issues and problems down the road. Foreign agencies are following this same installation/certification standard.
Deciding what system is right for you and your aircraft can be a daunting process that requires a bit of forethought. To avoid disappointment, be careful in
the selection of the network and airborne equipment available. Click
here to contact an HBS technical expert
who can walk you through the process of selecting the right product to fit your operational and budgetary needs for the “office in the sky” that you have been
reading about for years