Inmarsat, the global mobile satellite communications company, has announced the availability of a new solution that brings high-speed data services to airline travellers through its newly launched solution, Swift 64.
Swift 64 is a technology that allows Mobile ISDN or Mobile Packet Data connection to airlines by using the existing antenna on 80 percent of modern wide body long haul jets. “Swift 64 brings to reality the vision of the in-flight entertainment industry that needed broadband communication capabilities,” said Samer Halawi, regional director of Inmarsat.
“The prospect of taking the communications, entertainment, and IT capabilities to the aircraft seat has generated a number of spectacular plans involving multi-billion dollar satellite systems.”
The Inmarsat Swift64 platform utilizes aircraft communications infrastructure to provide fast email and Internet access, video conferencing facilities and file transfer capability to aircraft passengers. “Swift 64 offers clear cost benefits to airlines because it utilizes existing aircraft antennas and satellite communication avionics to the maximum extents,” explained Issa Odtallah, technical specialist at Inmarsat.
Some of the proposed new broadband solutions required airlines to completely re-equip their fleets with new antennas and new communications systems. “The rationale behind Swift64 is that it is an evolution not a revolution and can utilize the existing antenna already onboard the majority of modern long haul jets,” explained Halawi.
Inmarsat Ltd owns and operates a global satellite network and delivers its solutions through a global distribution network of approximately 200 distributors and other service providers operating in over 150 countries to end users in the maritime, land and aeronautical sectors.
Inmarsat Ltd has a portfolio of satellite solutions, including voice, fax, intranet and Internet access and other data services. Inmarsat Ltd has over 21 years of experience in designing, implementing and operating satellite networks. At the end of December 2000, approximately 212,000 terminals were registered to access Inmarsat Ltd’s services. — (menareport.com)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
