Alcatel-Lucent will deploy LTE technology for Deutsche
Telekom's European ground network, complementing Inmarsat's S-band
satellite services and enabling fast, reliable Internet access in
the air
PARIS, Oct. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Alcatel-Lucent
(Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) has signed a contract with Deutsche
Telekom to deliver the world's first LTE ground network which
communicates with airplanes and complements satellite services from
Inmarsat, in order to meet rapidly evolving demand for broadband
data connectivity on European flights.
The European Aviation Network (EAN) will consist of an LTE
ground network component, provided by Alcatel-Lucent – using its
specially adapted radios and IP Mobile Core – combined with a
satellite network component.
Passengers will be able to use their Wi-Fi® enabled
personal mobile devices to enjoy mobile data access using the
seamless transition between the LTE ground network and the
satellite network. The network will also open up opportunities for
airlines to offer innovative consumer-led data services to
passengers.
Deutsche Telekom and Alcatel-Lucent have previously conducted
test flights of the LTE-based network and are working with
Inmarsat, a leading global satellite communications provider, which
will operate LTE in the S-band. Deutsche Telekom and Inmarsat have
recently announced a strategic partnership for the European
Aviation Network to develop and commercially roll-out the network
in Europe with a test flight
program planned for the hybrid LTE and satellite network in
2017.
Alcatel-Lucent will also provide network operations and field
services for the LTE ground network to Deutsche Telekom. The
agreement with Deutsche Telekom highlights how Alcatel-Lucent is
working with service providers to deliver breakthrough
communications innovations to new markets to satisfy the growing
demand for always-on connectivity.
Key Facts:
- Alcatel-Lucent is providing Deutsche Telekom with a complete
LTE network for the provision of the first commercial hybrid LTE
and satellite European network for airplane passengers – the first
in the world to use LTE. Alcatel-Lucent will deploy its Radio
Access Network (RAN) technology using customized remote radio heads
(RRHs) and the IP Mobile Core as well as network operations and
field service support.
- The European Aviation Network will provide fast and easy-to-use
services for passengers and airlines traveling across Europe.
- Alcatel-Lucent and Deutsche Telekom entered into a research
project in 2009, leading to the first test flight in 2011 when the
companies have jointly tested LTE for use in air-to-ground networks
and continue to shape the ecosystem.
- Inmarsat, a global leader in satellite technology, announced a
technology collaboration with Alcatel-Lucent in November 2014 to adapt Alcatel-Lucent's LTE
technology to support the S-Band spectrum.
- Deutsche Telekom will be deploying the European Aviation
Network together with Inmarsat.
Quotes:
Wilhelm Dresselhaus,
CEO of Alcatel-Lucent Germany and Head of the Deutsche Telekom
sales account at Alcatel-Lucent, said: "For years, flying has
been a communications black-out leaving both business and personal
travelers alike feeling out of touch when in the air. We are proud
to be an integral technology provider for Deutsche Telekom's
LTE-based ground network effort by adapting our LTE RAN solution to
the Inmarsat S-band spectrum. Together, we are able to provide
travelers in Europe with
high-speed data connectivity in the air."
ABOUT ALCATEL-LUCENT (EURONEXT PARIS AND NYSE: ALU)
Alcatel-Lucent is the leading IP networking, ultra-broadband access
and cloud technology specialist. We are dedicated to making global
communications more innovative, sustainable and accessible for
people, businesses and governments worldwide. Our mission is to
invent and deliver trusted networks to help our customers unleash
their value. Every success has its network.
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