Boeing demonstrates Connexion on European flights

Airline Industry Information, Oct 18, 2005

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

US aircraft manufacturer Boeing Co has recently demonstrated its Connexion Internet and mobile services to travellers during a week of flights in Europe.

The flights took place on Connexion One, a Boeing 737-400 test and demonstration aircraft, and Boeing claimed that they showed how safe and convenient mobile telephony can be during flight. Participants were able to make and receive calls using the roaming-enabled mobile phones as part of Boeing's Connexion service. In addition they were given the chance to test the high-speed, real-time Internet service, including four channels of live television now offered.

Guests were able to make calls to the ground during the flight and Boeing claimed that voice quality and connection reliability were noted by the callers and call recipients. CDMA and GSM are both supported by the system.

Boeing said the demonstration flights enabled people to experience the flexibility offered by its high-speed connectivity system.

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