Telecom Lead Asia: ZTE has completed the world’s first commercial ground-air FDD-LTE-based broadband network test in cooperation with Hainan Airlines.
The test occurred in February 2013 on Hainan Airlines Flight HU7137 Beijing to Xi’an. Internet connectivity was available for 70 minutes of the two-hour flight.
In 2013, ZTE expects to launch a commercial 4G ground-air communication systems on all Chinese airlines.
ZTE claims that it offers a secure and speedy ground-air broadband network for airplanes. This allows passengers to enjoy mobile Internet with Wi-Fi-enabled electronic devices and have a more satisfying inflight experience.
During the test with Hainan Airlines, engineers were able to complete a variety of online tasks, including: real-time video conferencing, instant messaging, microblogging, email, online gaming and online payments. The downlink and uplink bandwidths were stable and worked at speeds greater than 12Mbps.
To adapt to the online service needs of domestic airlines in China, ZTE initiated in 2011 R&D for the world’s first 4G civil aviation ground-air broadband communication system.
The system is designed to provide wireless broadband data transmission channels at a rate of higher than 30-60Mbps on planes flying at various altitudes. The service, which is based on advanced FDD-LTE 4G network technology, allows passengers to access the Internet via a cabin WLAN.
In 2006, in partnership with Aircell and Qualcomm, ZTE launched the first aerial broadband mobile system in the industry. The system provided nine US airlines, including 1,500 planes, with various airborne mobile services.
