Gogo conducts first test flight on next-generation air-to-ground network

CHICAGO. Gogo (NASDAQ:GOGO), a global provider of broadband connectivity products and services for aviation, in Chicago has conducted its first test flight and begun the nationwide rollout of its new regional Air-to-Ground (ATG) inflight network.

The next-generation ATG network combined with Gogo’s proprietary aero antenna, in-cabin network, and software platform brings up to 30 times more bandwidth to an aircraft than the company’s original ATG solution. When network upgrades are complete, Gogo’s North American ATG solution will deliver performance on the aircraft comparable to Gogo’s 2Ku global satellite solution.

Gogo’s next-generation ATG network will have peak network capacity of more than 100 gigabits per second (Gbps or Gb/s). When combined with Gogo’s global satellite network, Gogo will have the highest capacity network ever built that’s dedicated to serving aviation, officials say.

"Our networks and inflight connectivity solutions are dedicated to serving aviation and today we are delivering more bandwidth to deliver a better passenger experience and support our aviation partners’ operations,” says Michael Small, Gogo's president and CEO.

Gogo’s next-generation ATG network uses unlicensed spectrum in the 2.4GHz spectrum band as well as the licensed spectrum from Gogo’s original ATG network to provide greater bandwidth and reliability. It also leverages Gogo's existing ATG network backhaul and infrastructure of more than 250 cell towers. On the aircraft, Gogo has developed a proprietary new antenna and modem that will produce peak speeds of more than 100 Megabits per second (Mbps) per aircraft.

The solution is well suited for business aviation aircraft, commercial regional jets, and select mainline aircraft operating in the U.S. For business aviation aircraft, this service will be available as an upgrade to aircraft already equipped with Gogo’s Avance L5 connectivity solution. For commercial aviation, any aircraft outfitted with equipment designed to leverage Gogo's first generation ATG network will simply need to be outfitted with a new modem and blade antenna to take advantage of the new service. The network will be available in 2018.

Gogo is the Inflight Internet Company, a global provider of broadband connectivity products and services for aviation, designing and sourcing network solutions that connect aircraft to the Internet and developing customizable services for aviation partners mission.

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