Alcatel-Lucent signed a contract with Deutsche Telekom to provide LTE technology to a network bringing internet connectivity to airlines.
The networking company will work alongside the German operator and satellite operator Inmarsat to provide a network that merges an LTE ground network with satellite connectivity.
Passengers will be able to use personal mobile devices with wi-fi enabled to enjoy data access with a seamless handover between the LTE ground network nd the satellite network.
Alcatel-Lucent will provide radios and IP mobile core to the mix.
Deutsche Telekom and Inmarsat have previously conducted tests of the technology, with a test flight program planned for the hybrid LTE and satellite network in 2017.
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