TDF has been chosen as terrestrial network partner by the European Aviation Network (EAN). This innovative aeronautical solution combines satellite coverage and a terrestrial LTE (Long Term Evolution) network to provide airlines and their passengers with high-performance broadband connections in the planes that criss-cross European skies.
Forty TDF towers to house ground equipment
Inmarsat, leader in mobile satellite communications solutions, is developing the EAN in partnership with German telecommunications company Deutsche Telekom. Deutsche Telekom will operate a terrestrial network of 300 stations in all European Union countries, as well as in Switzerland and Norway, to increase the capacity of Inmarsat's satellites.
TDF is the French partner in this program: the operator has chosen TDF's expertise to host the equipment that will ensure continuity of use and provide this service in France. Nearly forty TDF towers will provide high-speed Internet coverage on aircraft. ARCEP has also just given Inmarsat the go-ahead to use the earth stations in France.
A booming market
This innovative European program, a pioneer in Europe and worldwide, will meet the needs of a fast-growing market, at a time when demand for high-speed Internet access on aircraft has never been so high. By 2035, the number of air passengers travelling in Europe is expected to exceed 1.5 billion, according to IATA* forecasts.
In fact, the innovation and leadership of the EAN program were unanimously recognized, at the APEX Awards in September 2017, during which the network was voted "Best Innovation for Onboard Connectivity", as well as at the Crystal Cabin Awards in April 2018, where it reached the final shortlist.
" As an infrastructure operator, TDF is supporting this highly innovative project, which is a European first, through proven solutions that guarantee reliable coverage that will evolve as usage develops. Combining our know-how with that of our European partners will enable airlines to offer their passengers unprecedented in-flight Internet coverage ", says Christine Landrevot, Managing Director of TDF's Telecom Division.
" EAN combines not only different areas of expertise, but also many different technologies," explains Dr. Rolf Nafziger, Senior Vice President of Deutsche Telekom AG's international wholesale unit. " For this innovative project, we were looking for experts in different sectors, and we're proud to be able to count on TDF, a key partner, to build the network in France. The EAN is a fine example of successful European collaboration. "
* IATA Forecasts Passenger Demand to Double Over 20 Years (2016)