Connexion by Boeing Selects Intelsat for Commercial Satellite Delivery of In-Flight Broadband Services Across North-Atlantic Routes
Intelsat and Connexion by Boeing today announced that Connexion by Boeing will use Intelsat satellite service for the implementation of in-flight broadband Internet and data services for passengers on trans-Atlantic airliners starting in 2004.
Following successful service demonstrations with Lufthansa and British Airways earlier this year, Connexion by Boeing signed a contract with Intelsat for satellite connectivity that will enable airborne travelers to access high-speed Internet and data services via Intelsat's powerful 907 satellite at 332.5°E, the newest spacecraft in Intelsat's global fleet.
The contract includes two transponder leases using 907's Ku-band Spot 1 beam for real-time transmission and reception of web pages, e-mail, data and entertainment content. Passengers will be able to quickly connect their laptops or Internet-enabled PDAs to wireless LANs or Ethernet jacks inside equipped airplanes, with end-user speeds comparable to land-based cable modem or DSL service. The satellite connectivity may also be used by airline crews for efficient communications with ground operations.
"I believe this service is going to radically change the air travel experience and it has opened a new type of opportunity for the satellite industry," said Ramu Potarazu, Chief Operating Officer, Intelsat, Ltd. "We worked closely with Connexion by Boeing to ensure that the quality and speed of our satellite connections met or exceeded their requirements for successful commercial roll-out."
"For a consumer-facing service such as ours, where quality, speed of service and continuous connectivity is crucial, having a reliable satellite service provider is paramount," said Jeff Flagel, Director of Supplier Management for Connexion by Boeing. "We truly appreciated Intelsat's flexibility during the service demonstrations and their willingness to re-point a Ku-band spot beam to serve us on the important North Atlantic route once commercial service commences in early 2004."
Intelsat, Ltd. offers telephony, corporate network, video and Internet solutions around the globe via capacity on 25 geosynchronous satellites in prime orbital locations. Customers in approximately 200 countries rely on Intelsat satellites and ground resources for quality connections, global reach and reliability. For more information, visit the Intelsat web site.
Connexion by Boeing is the mobile information services provider bringing high-speed Internet, data and entertainment connectivity to mobile travelers. The service is currently available to operators of private and executive aircraft in the U.S. The Boeing business unit recently announced definitive service agreements with Lufthansa and Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) to equip their fleet of long-haul aircraft with the service beginning in early 2004. In addition to a successful service demonstration conducted with British Airways earlier this year, Japan Airlines also has announced its intent to install the Connexion by Boeing service on its long-range aircraft. For additional information, visit the Connexion By Boeing web site.
Forward-Looking Information is Subject to Risk and Uncertainty
Some of the statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" that do not directly or exclusively relate to historical facts. These forward-looking statements reflect our intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside our control. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements include known and unknown risks. Because actual results could differ materially from our intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about the future, you are urged to view all forward-looking statements contained in this news release with caution. Intelsat does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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For further information:
Terrance Scott
Connexion by Boeing
+1 206 655 9350
Connexion by Boeing
+1 206 655 9350