Inmarsat, Panasonic tie up to offer in-flight broadband

LONDON, U.K. - In a partnership aimed at providing in-flight broadband for commercial airlines, the British satellite company Inmarsat has said that it has tied up with Japan's Panasonic Avionics.

In a statement announcing the tie up, Inmarsat said on Thursday, "The 10-year agreement will see Inmarsat become Panasonic’s exclusive provider of connectivity using the Ka-band satellite signal."

The company further announced that in return, it will offer "Panasonic’s portfolio of services to its commercial aviation customers."

Announcing the deal, Inmarsat’s CEO Rupert Pearce said, "Partnering with a leader in in-flight entertainment was a massive vote of confidence in the capability of its GX high-speed broadband network to provide in-flight broadband."

Pearce added, "The catalyst for the partnership came from a mutual airline partner and the two companies were already working on new prospects."

Inmarsat pointed out in its announcement that in-flight broadband allows airline passengers to email and use the internet during flights.

It further noted that it is a growth driver for Inmarsat.