In-flight internet provider Gogo has received final clearance certificate from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to launch its 2Ku next generation satellite connectivity service.
Called Supplement Type Certificate (STC), the 2Ku technology is currently installed in Gogo’s 737-500 test plane and is available for in-flight testing.
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Gogo CEO Anand Chari said: "This is a significant milestone for Gogo and a seminal event for in-flight internet.
"Clearing this regulatory hurdle brings us one step closer to enabling our airline partners and their passengers to enjoy the future of in-flight internet."
2Ku is likely to offer peak speeds of more than 70Mbps to the aircraft, which is more than 20 times the bandwidth provided by Gogo’s first generation air-to-ground system in the US.
Using two low-profile, high efficiency Ku-band satellite antennas, the technology is expected to be more beneficial in tropical regions where other satellite systems experience restrictions due to high skew angles.
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By GlobalDataAround seven commercial airlines have signed up for the trial or fleet deployment of the technology on more than 500 commercial aircraft.
Commercial service is expected to begin later this year followed by installations on 500 aircraft in 2016.
Image: Gogo’s 2Ku technology to offer peak speeds. Photo: courtesy of Gogo.
