ZTE, Qualcomm, Aircell Collaborate On In-Flight Mobile Broadband System

ZTE USA, a subsidiary of ZTE Corporation, a provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, and Qualcomm, a developer and innovator of advanced wireless technologies and data solutions, have announced their collaboration with Aircell to create the networking platform for Aircell’s new in-flight Internet service, Gogo, which first began service in August on select American Airlines flights. Aircell’s Air-to-Ground (ATG) service relies on ZTE’s EV-DO Rev. A base stations and IP switching platform and Qualcomm’s aircraft-mounted modems. ZTE, Aircell and Qualcomm’s R&D group worked closely to engineer a custom solution that would maximise the performance of the in-flight service.

ZTE’s base stations are stationed across the US to support service for Aircell’s airline customers. While en route, subscriber WiFi traffic is transmitted to ZTE’s CDMA EV-DO Rev. A networking equipment via Qualcomm’s aircraft-mounted modems. The technology was engineered to accommodate the high speed and high altitude of aircraft connecting with the base station.

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"At ZTE, we are committed to developing customised and flexible solutions that enable our customers and partners to offer their own customers innovative applications and services," said Dr George Sun, CEO, ZTE USA. "In this instance, by working closely with Aircell and Qualcomm, we were able to tap into the brightest R&D minds available to create a flexible networking platform. We look forward to working with Aircell and Qualcomm to scale the platform to support increasing demand and future expansion of the service."

"When designing our in-flight mobile broadband service, we were searching for companies that would work hand-in-hand with us to create a flexible and customised networking platform that was optimised for our ATG needs," said Joe Cruz, executive vice president and chief technology officer of Aircell. "We found those allies in ZTE and Qualcomm. As a result, we are able to offer our customers an efficient broadband experience."