Telstra plans 4G network for domestic flights
Telstra has unveiled a nationwide plan to provide 4G mobile broadband on domestic flights.
Dedicated transmitters on the ground will use upward-facing antennas to send signals to shark-fin shaped antennae on the underside of aircraft, even as aircraft travel at close to a thousand kilometres per hour.
On a number of test flights between Sydney and Melbourne, involving four ground stations, the telco was able to maintain 4G throughput of up to 15 megabits-per-second (Mbps), with an average throughput of 10 Mbps.
"These test flights are encouraging," said Mike Wright, Telstra's executive director of networks, in a blog post on Monday.
He said the network, called Skinet, might one day deliver high-speed broadband connectivity to consumers.
It could also be used for remote monitoring and control applications, he added.
Wi-Fi is available on some commercial flights via satellite technology, but coverage can be patchy.
Further tests will be conducted this year as the company explores whether a nationwide 4G network for planes is economically viable.
Wright said Telstra is working with authorities to investigate getting access to extra space on the radiofrequency spectrum.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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