“The 4G market is still evolving but one thing is for sure, passengers will want the same mobile broadband services in the air that they have on the ground,” stated Joe Cruz, CTO, Aircell. “Aircell’s choice of LTE ensures that our network will continue to support the services customers demand today and in the future. With LTE, Aircell’s Air-to-Ground (ATG) Inflight Internet technology is future-proofed.”

Currently the company is using an exclusive FCC frequency license, CDMA Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) Rev A protocol and network optimization and acceleration technology to deliver an effective data rate of more than 12 Mbps peak to Gogo-equipped aircraft. By the end of 2009, further advances in existing technologies will enable Aircell to deliver a raw data rate of up to 22.7 Mbps to aircraft. By the beginning of 2011, Aircell expects to deploy its 4G LTE network, which will enable a throughput of up to 300 Mbps to aircraft.

via [engadgetmobile]

With its manufacturing facility fully operational and approved by the FAA, Aircell is producing the equipment needed to bring its inflight Internet service to American Airlines and Virgin America in 2008. Enough manufacturing capacity is in place to accommodate rapid service introduction to all future partners as well.

“Having received these critical approvals from the FAA, we now have the ability to rapidly expand to the rest of American’s 767-200 fleet,” said Joe Cruz, SVP and CTO of Aircell. “Initially we will provide passengers flying between Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and Miami inflight Internet, which research indicates passengers want and need,” continued Cruz. “Working collaboratively with the FAA to receive the initial STC helps pave the way for future certifications on additional aircraft used by our airline partners.”