Itasca, IL – September 4, 2007 – Aircell announced today that it has been named to the annual FierceBroadband Wireless “Fierce 15” list of the top mobile broadband companies of the year. FierceBroadbandWireless editors evaluated hundreds of organizations, and found Aircell to be one of the pioneering leaders, proven by its market success and industry innovations such as effectively developing and commercializing its air-to-ground technology. Aircell recently signed a deal with American Airlines to begin testing wireless broadband Internet on transcontinental flights across the United States in 2008.
For 15 years, Aircell has been a world leader for inflight communications for the business aviation industry, offering global data and voice connectivity through its satellite-based systems. In 2006, Aircell won an exclusive FCC spectrum license enabling the company to offer broadband connectivity on private business aircraft and commercial airlines across the US, allowing the company to expand its business and services into the commercial aviation sector. Aircell was selected by American Airlines to launch broadband Internet services testing on domestic passengers beginning next year, and the company is in advanced talks with many other major carriers.
Aircell’s inflight broadband service is made possible by their unique air-to-ground network, which uses the latest technology to transmit and receive data between the ground and the aircraft.
Commercial and business aviation passengers will soon be able to connect to the Internet, office networks, send and receive email, chat, text message and participate in online games using their own Wi-Fi enabled devices. Aircell’s service is expected to roll out on commercial airlines and business aircraft in 2008.
FierceBroadband Wireless brings the latest broadband wireless news on Wi-Fi, WiMAX, muni Wi-Fi and other pertinent broadband wireless topics and technologies to more than 48,000 wireless industry insiders. Earlier this month, the publication underwent a re-branding; it was formerly known as FierceWiFi.
“Access to the Internet on airplanes represents an enormous untapped market. With its new license in the air-to-ground space and impressive management team, Aircell is poised to lead in this space,” said Lynnette Luna, Editor of FierceBroadbandWireless.
“We are thrilled to be recognized by FierceBroadbandWireless, one of the industry’s news leaders,” said Jack Blumenstein, CEO, Aircell. “The mobile broadband community depends on FierceBroadbandWireless to provide the most up-to-date news along with analysis of major industry trends. It is an honor to be recognized as a leader among so many outstanding organizations by such a well-regarded industry news outlet.”
The FierceWireless “Fierce 15” celebrates the spirit of being “fierce” – championing innovation and creativity, even in the face of intense competition. The complete list of winning companies is available in a special Web feature on the FierceBroadbandWireless Web site at http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com.
Additional information about Aircell and its inflight connectivity services can be found at www.aircell.com.
FierceMarkets is a business media company serving numerous vertical markets with email newsletters, Web sites, Webinars, and live events. Based in Washington, DC, FierceMarkets publications reach more than 460,000 executives in over 100 countries every business day. Current publications include:
Aircell is the leader in global airborne telecommunications for the Business Aviation market. Its products are offered by virtually every fixed- and rotor-wing airframe manufacturer in business aviation, and are installed aboard the world’s four largest fractional ownership fleets. A single-source, turn-key provider of equipment, service, and technical support, Aircell simplifies airborne communications and keeps you In Touch, In Flight ® .
The 2006 winner of the FCC’s exclusive broadband frequency license, Aircell is also pioneering a revolutionary new wireless broadband system for North America. Available only from Aircell, it will include robust Wi-Fi hotspots that enable airline passengers to surf the Internet, use e-mail, and log on to their corporate VPN’s using their personal 802.11a/b/g-equipped Wi-Fi data devices. The system will also offer airline operational communications capabilities and provide a path to a wealth of future cabin services.
Set for introduction in 2008, the new broadband service will also be available to business aircraft operators, offering a similar set of features.
Aircell (www.aircell.com) has facilities in Louisville, Colorado, and Itasca, Illinois, USA.