A different write-up and additional information on IFN/QCOM/ROK/GSTRF new venture
_____
6/21/00 - LORAL SPACE & COMMUNICATIONS: In-Flight Network (IFN), Globalstar and QUALCOMM successfully test broadband Interne
JUN 21, 2000, M2 Communications - LOS ANGELES, CA, NEW YORK, NY, SAN DIEGO, CA -- In-Flight Network LLC, a joint venture of News Corporation and Rockwell Collins, today announced a long-term strategic development with Globalstar (NASDAQ: GSTRF) and a development agreement with QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM) which will enable In Flight Network (IFN) to provide low-cost broadband Internet and e-mail services to existing commercial airline fleets by early next year. Two weeks ago, a prototype of the IFN system was flown and successfully operated over parts of North America, proving the functionality of the system.
Under the agreements, IFN, Globalstar and QUALCOMM will participate jointly in the development of a system that will provide broadband Internet access as well as e-mail, paging and voice-over-IP applications directly to passengers aboard aircraft in flight. Broadband Internet data and entertainment will be transmitted directly to aircraft via geostationary satellites, with the return link carried over the worldwide Globalstar satellite network. In addition, the Globalstar satellite network will serve as an independent two-way channel for Internet access, e-mail, downloading of data and other applications.
With QUALCOMM-developed enhancements to its Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology, the Globalstar data link will initially operate at speeds in excess of 200 kbps. When user demand increases and ground terminal capacity can absorb the greater data load, this data rate can be increased to over 800 kbps -- faster than most DSL or cable modems.
"IFN`s service will enable affiliate airlines to deploy high-speed, full Internet access and e-mail services quickly. The new service will eliminate the need to wait for the build-out of new satellite networks or to invest in expensive new antennae. IFN looks forward to working with leading web sites and portals in extending internet access to the frequent flyer community," said Jeffrey M. Wales, CEO of In Flight Network LLC and senior vice president, News Corporation.
IFN, Globalstar and Loral Space & Communications also intend to evaluate the use of additional Globalstar and Loral satellite-based products and services for incorporation into IFN prior to full-scale deployment in late 2001.
IFN plans to offer lab demonstrations of the new Internet and e-mail service to aviation and airline industry representatives beginning in mid-July. IFN will conduct comprehensive in-flight demonstrations of the new service for press, government and airline officials, and technology and entertainment industry leaders at a Southern California airport location in the Fall. Interested parties are asked to contact events@inflightnetwork.com to arrange for an invitation to the demonstrations and related events.
Tony Navarra, president of Globalstar, said, "This relationship with IFN is yet another example of the tremendous versatility of the Globalstar system and the range of applications possible with this service. CDMA technology makes this high bandwidth system practical, and Globalstar, as the only worldwide CDMA network in operation, is uniquely positioned to make this service available."
Jerry Beckwith, president of QUALCOMM Wireless Systems, said, "We have always believed that one of Globalstar's greatest strengths was its use of QUALCOMM's CDMA technology to handle data. Being able to take advantage of higher data rates will result in enormous benefits for industrial, corporate, and personal users - not only in the aviation market, but for remote ground applications as well. In providing high-speed Internet access, the passenger's experience will be similar to that of using a cable modem."
In-Flight Network LLC is a joint venture entity formed by News Corporation (NYSE:NWS, NWS.A), one of the world`s leading media companies, and Rockwell Collins (NYSE:ROK), a world leader in aviation electronics. It was formed as the world`s first global in-flight entertainment network to offer live coverage of news, sports and entertainment events, in addition to recorded audio/video programming and broadband Internet access and e-mail services.
....
Ibexx |
