Ryanair Embarks on Inmarsat Based Cellphone Calling
One of the world's leading airlines has announced it will install a hybrid cellular-satellite communications system, based on Inmarsat SwiftBroadband, which will enable passengers to make calls using their own mobile phones.
Ryanair, Europe's largest low fares airline, plans to fit the system, developed by the Inmarsat distribution partner, OnAir, across its entire fleet of more than 200 Boeing 737 aircraft, starting from mid-2007.
In a separate announcement, Qantas, the Australian international airline, has confirmed it will evaluate a similar in-flight solution from another service provider, AeroMobile.
First airline
Ryanair is the first commercial airline to announce it will offer all its passengers in-flight calling via their own mobile phones.
The solution, which also uses Inmarsat's global network, will not only enable customers to make and receive voice calls, but also text messages and emails, either via mobile phone or personal electronic device, such as a Blackberry.
Picocell basestation
Phonecalls will be connected to the aircraft's onboard Inmarsat equipment via a low-power GSM cellular 'picocell' basestation installed on the ceiling of the passenger cabin.
The Inmarsat satellites carry all the calls between the ground networks and the aircraft.
Aeronautical services
Andrew Sukawaty, chairman and CEO of Inmarsat, said: "We are delighted that both Ryanair and Qantas have selected systems that make use of Inmarsat's aeronautical services.
"This is a strong endorsement of our aeronautical strategy and a vote of confidence in our forthcoming SwiftBroadband service."
The system will not be used below 10,000 feet, to avoid passengers' mobile phones seeking to register with ground-based cellular towers.
|
Archives: (2005 ) / (2006)
 28 November 2006
Inmarsat to Relay First
Inflight Mobille Calls in
January 2007
28 November 2006
Inmarsat Plays Key Role
In Rescue of Velux 5
Yachtsman
23 October 2006
First SwiftBroadband Traffic
Sent From Gulfstream Jet
9 October 2006
Top News Channel
CNN Praises Inmarsat
BGAN Solution
27 September 2006
Inmarsat Wins Award for
Best Universal Service
Offering
31
August 2006
European Airline Embarks
on Inmarsat Based
Cellphone Calling
30 August 2006
Inmarsat
BGAN Supports
Phase One Relief in Lebanon
18
August 2006
Norwegian Aid Team
Utilizes
Inmarsat
BGAN
for Landmine Clearance
15 August 2006
Greenland Explorer Praises
Inmarsat
BGAN During
Climate Study
8 August 2006
International Rescue
Committee Utilizes Inmarsat
BGAN for Relief Links
20
July 2006
Mobile
phones prepare for
take-off on Airbus with
Inmarsat
Swiftbroadband
19
July 2006
Kon-tiki
Replica Arrives
Safely in Polynesia Using
Inmarsat Fleet F77
12
July 2006
Telefónica
Extends BGAN
Distribution Across Globe
11
July 2006
TCP
Accelerator Doubles
BGAN E-mail Speed
4
June 2006
Opening
of Kenya Centre
Fulfills Africa Maritime
Rescue Gap
30
May 2006
Inmarsat
BGAN Utilized
in Aftermath of
Java Earthquake
26
May 2006
Inmarsat
C Alert
Saves Fisherman
24
May 2006
Inmarsat
BGAN Relays
Reports from Everest Team
23
May 2006
Inmarsat
Supports
Surinam Flood Relief
17
May 2006
Inmarsat
Low-Cost
Crew Calling Sparks
World Cup Fever
17
May 2006
Inmarsat
BGAN Chosen
by Teenager on
Everest Conquest
15
May 2006
Inmarsat
BGAN Goes
Global Across the Americas
10
May 2006
Inmarsat
RBGAN Supports Disabled Mountaineers
28
April 2006
Inmarsat
F77 Selected by South Africa Navy
28
April 2006
Inmarsat
RBGAN Provides Photos of Africa
Charity Work
21
April 2006
Inmarsat
BGAN Utilized in Greenland Climate Study
6
April 2006
Inmarsat
BGAN Poised for Launch Across North
& South America
17
March 2006
Canada
Boosts Inmarsat Support for Army & Navy
13
March 2006
Lightning
Strike Drama as Volvo Yachts Reach Brazil
13
March 2006
Inmarsat
Keeps Mudslide Rescue Teams Online
13
March 2006
Inmarsat
Extends Lifeline to Niger's Migrant Workers
6
March 2006
Volvo
Yachts On-Course After Mid-Ocean Drama
3
March 2006
Showtime
for Inmarsat
BGAN as it Prepares
To Go Global
21
February 2006
BBC
Reports From Mudslide Disaster Via Inmarsat BGAN
20
February 2006
HNS-9201
BGAN
Terminal Gains Inmarsat
Type Approval
23
January 2006
Inmarsat's
Final Milestone
for BGAN Expansion in
the Americas
16
January 2006
Inmarsat
A Completes
Satellite Switch in AOR-W |
