Intelsat, Panasonic to bring broadband to skies

Intelsat and Panasonic Avionics Corporation
(Panasonic), have signed a multi-year service
agreement that will result in the next generation of in-flight passenger
broadband access. Panasonic
is introducing an advanced satellite transmission platform that will
allow airline passengers the ability to access Internet-based
information and entertainment. The service, Panasonic eXConnect,
provides passengers Internet connectivity.

The platform will leverage Intelsat ’s existing
GlobalConnex Network Broadband service which
is available on Intelsat ’s global satellite
fleet of 53 in-orbit satellites, and regional teleport facilities. By
utilizing Intelsat ’s existing infrastructure,
Panasonic will be able to introduce eXConnect in key regions around the
world, providing an efficient and cost effective means to scale the
network capacity as demand grows.

Panasonic eXConnect enables two-way broadband connectivity that provides
a wide range of applications useful to both the passengers and crew such
as VPN, live television, shopping, streaming media, telemedicine,
operational applications and personal devices integrated to the airline ’s
in-flight entertainment systems. With data rates comparable to ground
public Wi-Fi hotspots, eXConnect offers airlines the opportunity to
further differentiate their in-flight product with a valuable service to
their passengers.

“On-demand, mobile communications continues to fuel the widespread
integration of cutting-edge satellite services, ”
said Jay Yass, Intelsat ’s Vice President,
Network Services. “The agreement with
Panasonic further demonstrates Intelsat ’s
ability to lead the global satellite industry in creating innovative
data, video and voice infrastructure solutions. The Panasonic eXConnect
platform, powered by the Intelsat system, delivers seamless broadband
connectivity to passengers who seek Internet access wherever and
whenever they need it, enabling them to stay connected while in flight. ”

“At Panasonic, we believe that true broadband communication is an
enabling technology that will unlock new efficiency and reliability
improvements in the aeronautical world in addition to groundbreaking
passenger connectivity service, ” said Paul
Margis, Chief Executive Officer at Panasonic Avionics Corporation. “We
believe Intelsat has the best in class satellite communications systems
to provide Panasonic with the satellite resources and operating
knowledge necessary for the new eXConnect service to be operationally
and financially successful. ”