Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic) has introduced its third-generation communications network, which the company states is “a major evolution of its satellite connectivity service”. This communications network combines the company’s new satellite modem, developed in conjunction with Newtec, with Panasonic’s high-throughput satellite service, which covers all dense mobility traffic areas around the globe with high-throughput spot beams and wide overlay beams that support Panasonic’s global inflight television service.
The result, says Panasonic, is bandwidth up to 20-times greater than previously available. This supports the provision of services such as fast internet, video streaming, VoIP applications, improved TV picture quality and a broader channel choice, the capability to offer 3G phone services, and greater bandwidth for crew applications. Throughout the first quarter of 2018, aircraft from a number of airlines will be transitioned to this new network. The company expects more than 10,000 aircraft to be connected to its global communications network by 2025.
