In-flight broadband internet access with LTE air-to-ground (A2G) solution
LTE-based broadband access provides best-in-class in flight passenger experience
The Nokia LTE A2G cellular-based system creates a direct link between the aircraft and the ground thereby eliminating the delay hop to a satellite. This approach enables highly desirable in-cabin high-speed internet services using Wi-Fi for always-on passengers.
Challenge: Differentiate with better in-flight passenger experience
Competition among carriers is fierce. Passengers expect 24/7 internet connectivity that’s equal to their experience with terrestrial Wi-Fi hotspots. Current short-haul and medium-haul continental flights use satellite-to-ground internet communications systems that are bulky, expensive, and have limited capacity, as well as high latency. What’s needed is a fast and seamless in-flight broadband access experience.
Solution: In-flight broadband access using LTE A2G for continental aircraft
Within the crowed airspace of continental travel, LTE A2G services are an effective and more affordable alternative to satellite-based systems. What’s more, airlines can build a competitive advantage by improving passenger experience through offering in-flight broadband internet, and infotainment services.
Better customer experience
In-flight true broadband passenger experience
Financials
Simpler, lighter, and less-expensive aircraft equipment compared to satellite systems
Flexible deployment
Roll-out and expand network capacity exactly where and when needed
Meet your business imperatives
Nokia LTE air-to-ground (A2G) technology is well suited to provide broadband connectivity to continental aircraft flights. It has significant technology and cost advantages over existing and future satellite solutions. This use case describes how Nokia can help you to offer in-flight broadband access with our innovative LTE A2G solution
Download the full use case
The innovative Nokia LTE A2G solution allows airlines to offer passengers access to online services using their own devices with reliability and speeds previously only available on the ground. Because the live connection allows the transfer of information at any time, leisure travelers can enjoy live TV on flights while business passengers can use advanced services like video conferences.
LTE Optimized for A2G
A2G LTE complements satellite communications while providing unprecedented levels of performance for in-flight connectivity. Built upon off-the-shelf technology, the onboard aircraft equipment is modular and highly versatile. It includes one or two small antennas along with a compact and low-weight A2G On Board Unit (OBU) with a transceiver that acts as a hub and ground interface.
Secure, mission-critical architecture
LTE-based solutions use a mission-critical, all-IP architecture that provides the high availability required by airlines and their customers. This also allows operators to build a complete, highly cost effective end-to-end network, including core, backhaul, LTE Radio Access Network (RAN) and modem or end-user devices. What’s more, end-to-end quality of service, allows mission-critical services and passenger connectivity on the same infrastructure.
