Advanced Television

Gogo prepares for aerial TV

May 15, 2013

By Chris Forrester

In-flight connectivity supplier Gogo, which wants to provide a global TV and Internet system to aircraft, has won FCC recognition and a blanket licence to take up to 1000 Ku-band satellite transponders for in-flight entertainment and Internet access.

GoGo has leased capacity from SES for some trans-Atlantic and North American capacity, and Intelsat for Pacific Ocean and Atlantic routes.

The FCC licence is granted based on Gogo’s agreements with SES and Intelsat that will provide the company with global Ku-band satellite coverage. Under its agreement with SES, Gogo will initially utilise three SES craft enabling Gogo to expand its broadband offering in the sky to aircraft flying busy transatlantic routes. The SES-1 spacecraft will cover the continental US, while NSS-703 and three spot beams will reach across the North Atlantic and SES-4 serves Europe. Gogo service through the NSS-703 satellite is expected to be transitioned in mid-2014 to the new SES-6 bird, slated for launch next year.

Under its agreement with Intelsat, Gogo says it has access to the Intelsat 19, Intelsat 21 and Intelsat 22 satellites. These satellites are themselves well suited to provide high-speed connectivity for airline passengers crossing portions of the Atlantic and northern Pacific oceans, as well as activity over South America, Asia, Africa and Australia.

Categories: Articles, Broadcast, Services