Gogo taps Inmarsat satellites for worldwide in-flight Wi-Fi
updated 02:20 pm EST, Tue November 29, 2011
Gogo works with Inmarsat for Wi-Fi beyond US
Gogo took the first steps towards having a truly worldwide option for Internet access during airline flights. A deal with Inmarsat will see its Global Xpress satellite data used for international flights during those points when Gogo's country-based cellular coverage is no longer in range. It would potentially be faster than the land service at as much as 50Mbps; the EVDO link in the US stops at 3.1Mbps.
The coverage could lead to the first instance of truly complete airline Internet access for international carriers. It may also be particularly valuable for private business jets by letting executives keep working on long-haul flights.
Initial use with passenger airlines will hinge on getting the first Inmarsat-5 satellite into orbit in mid-2013. Individual carriers haven't been named so far. Business, cargo transport, and the government will get access later into 2014.
