- Tiny A2G module enables broadband in the sky
- Flightcell is the first to adopt the new technology
- Stringent testing passed with Australian A2G network
operator Pivotel
MUNICH and NELSON, New Zealand and PARIS, April 13,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SKYFive AG, Flightcell
International, and Sequans Communications S.A. today debuted a new
airborne communications device enabled with Air-to-Ground (A2G)
technology. A2G technology provides public safety agencies with
reliable broadband connectivity in the sky, enabling them to
conduct effective airborne missions, a capability increasingly
required on helicopters and light aircraft.
A2G provides reliable coverage and capacity to aerial users, and
it overcomes the current limitations of today's terrestrial
networks and satellite systems as used for airborne applications.
Terrestrial networks can be used only at low altitudes and are
limited in performance, consistency, and security; satellite
systems are limited in bandwidth, and very costly and difficult to
install, especially on rotorcraft.
To remove these limitations and enable airborne communications
devices of any kind to connect to A2G networks, SKYFive and Sequans
have developed a postage stamp sized A2G modem that ensures a
reliable, secure, and always on A2G communications link, and it can
be integrated into airborne devices with minimal effort.
Flightcell's DZMx is the first device to use this new
technology. With a weight of less than 800g, the compact DZMx can
be fitted easily into any aircraft. To date, Flightcell has shipped
more than 3000 DZMx units into all major aviation markets. DZMx has
a modular design, allowing the A2G module to flexibly combine with
other means of data transmission.
The complete solution has been thoroughly and successfully
tested with Australian A2G network operator Pivotel, who deployed
A2G base stations on several towers in the greater Sydney area in 2022. These tests fully
confirmed the predicted throughput, latency, reliability, and
consistency of the solution in a real environment. Subject to
regulatory approval and other ongoing conversations, Pivotel plans
to further extend the current A2G network during 2023.
Dirk Lindemeier, Chief
Commercial Officer SKYFive:
"This new product underlines our commitment to developing an entire
ecosystem of A2G terminals, therewith maximizing the addressable
market and giving choice to aircraft operators. The A2G module
represents a further milestone reached in miniaturizing the
technology and making aircraft installation easy. We look forward
to seeing entirely new aircraft types connecting to our networks
very soon."
James Mace, Director
Flightcell:
"Our customers strongly demand reliable broadband connectivity for
various use cases. By introducing the option to configure DZMx with
an A2G module we open up new possibilities for operators of
helicopters and fixed wing aircraft that are flying air ambulance,
aerial firefighting, law enforcement, and other missions, as well
as light business aircraft, both for our large installed base and
new deliveries."
David Choukroun, Senior
Director, Business Development, Sequans:
"We are thrilled to contribute our technology to this
ground-breaking achievement with SKYFive and Flightcell. The A2G
module will enable a multitude of new and exciting airborne
communications applications, and the module's high-performance
capabilities, including ultra large cell range and the ability to
operate reliably at the high speed of aircraft, meet the most
demanding avionics requirements."
About SKYFive
SKYFive provides Inflight Connectivity
services based on its unique Air-to-Ground technology. The
company's mission is to deliver true broadband services to airline
passengers, enable the real-time transfer of vast amounts of
aircraft data, and support ultra-reliable low latency
communications required for the mass proliferation of Urban Air
Mobility. SKYFive connects aircraft of any kind and size through
giant cells in the sky, thereby leveraging the performance and cost
benefits of the 4G and 5G mobile ecosystem. SKYFive has been
established as a spin-off from Nokia in 2019, is headquartered in
Munich, Germany, and operates
several sites for R&D and service delivery in major aviation
markets.
About Flightcell
Flightcell is leading provider of
aircraft communications, using cellular and Iridium satellite
networks to provide global voice and data services on aircraft
worldwide.
Flightcell's systems are used in public safety – air ambulance,
Search and rescue and police – military and commercial
aircraft.
About Sequans
Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS)
is a leading developer and supplier of cellular IoT
connectivity solutions, providing chips and modules for 5G/4G
massive and broadband IoT. For 5G/4G massive IoT applications,
Sequans provides a comprehensive product portfolio based on its
flagship Monarch LTE-M/NB-IoT and Calliope Cat 1 chip platforms,
featuring industry-leading low power consumption, a large set of
integrated functionalities, and global deployment capability. For
5G/4G broadband IoT applications, Sequans offers a
product portfolio based on its Cassiopeia Cat 4/Cat 6 4G and
high-end Taurus 5G chip platforms, optimized for
low-cost residential, enterprise, and industrial
applications. Founded in 2003, Sequans is based in
Paris, France with additional
offices in the United States,
United Kingdom, Israel, Hong
Kong, Singapore,
Finland, Taiwan, South
Korea, and China. Visit
Sequans online at www.sequans.com, and follow us on
Twitter and Linked-In
Press contacts:
SkyFive Communications
+49 89 90422006
https://skyfive.world
press@skyfive.world
Sequans Communications
Kimberly Tassin
+1.425.736.0569
kimberly@sequans.com
Flightcell
Jonathan McWatt
Marketing & Communications Director
+64 21 910 235
jonathan.m@flightcell.com
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SOURCE Sequans Communications