Advanced Television

SES puts live TV/broadband onto aircraft

September 10, 2013

By Chris Forrester

Luxembourg-based SES has secured contracts with Panasonic and Hughes to supply satellite capacity for use aboard aircraft.

The Panasonic agreement will see broadband supplied to aircraft over the Atlantic Ocean, and will use SES-6 to connect passengers and crew with two-way broadband applications ranging from high-speed internet access, voice, and live TV, to the ability for the airline to monitor real-time operational data aboard the plane. SES says: “Panasonic has begun its expanded trans-Atlantic inflight offerings with the initiation of service aboard the SES-6 satellite.”

SES-6 operates from the 40.5 degrees West position and is well-placed to cover the whole of the Atlantic as well as Caribbean regions.

The Hughes Network Systems deal also includes SES-6 capacity and will see Row 44, a subsidiary company of Global Eagle Entertainment. ““Through this agreement, we have significantly expanded our satellite capacity to meet the growing demand from airline passengers for seamless broadband connectivity and entertainment content in the sky,” said John LaValle, CEO for Global Eagle Entertainment. “This agreement ensures that we have the ground and satellite system expertise and technology in place to continue to deliver the world’s most widely deployed satellite-based in-flight WiFi service.”

“Row 44 is a true innovator of inflight communications and entertainment solutions that keep airline passengers connected and tuned in at 30,000 feet,” said John Matlaga, VP/Mobility Solutions for SES in North America. “Together with Hughes, SES is committed to the exciting mobility market, enabling the delivery of high-speed broadband, live television and compelling programming lineups, as part of this exciting new frontier.”

Categories: Articles, Broadband, Broadcast, DTH/Satellite