Telecom network vendor Alcatel-Lucent announced its deal with Deutsche Telekom to deliver LTE ground network to offer broadband services in European flights.
The LTE network from Alcatel-Lucent will address the demand for broadband data connectivity on European flights.
The European Aviation Network (EAN) will consist of an LTE ground network component, provided by Alcatel-Lucent – using its specially adapted radios and IP Mobile Core – combined with a satellite network component.
Flight passengers can use their Wi-Fi enabled personal mobile devices to access mobile data services using the seamless transition between the LTE ground network and the satellite network. The network will also open up opportunities for airlines to offer innovative consumer-led data services to flight passengers, said Alcatel-Lucent in a statement.
Recently, Deutsche Telekom and Inmarsat announced a partnership for the European Aviation Network to develop and commercially roll-out the network in Europe with a test flight program planned for the hybrid LTE and satellite network in 2017.
As per the deal with Deutsche Telekom, Alcatel-Lucent will also provide network operations and field services for the LTE ground network to Deutsche Telekom.
Alcatel-Lucent will deploy its Radio Access Network (RAN) technology using customized remote radio heads (RRHs) and the IP Mobile Core as well as network operations and field service support.
editor@telecomlead.com
