Spectrum will be utilized to boost capacity of Gogo and Gogo Biz in-flight Internet services; Airfone service to be decommissioned December 31, 2013
BROOMFIELD, Colo., April 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Aircell, a leading provider of in-flight connectivity equipment and services to the business aviation market, has completed its acquisition of the Airfone business unit of LiveTV, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of JetBlue Airways Corporation. The agreement includes LiveTV's 1 MHz air-to-ground spectrum license, as well as the Airfone in-flight communications service, network infrastructure and back-office operational assets.
"We're delighted to welcome Airfone customers and dedicated employees to the Aircell family," said John Wade, Aircell's Executive Vice President and General Manager.
With a history dating back to the 1970s, the Airfone service currently operates on frequencies adjacent to those utilized by Aircell's Gogo Biz in-flight Internet service in the business aviation market – as well as Gogo in the commercial airline market. To support the ongoing expansion of those services, the Airfone service will be permanently decommissioned on December 31, 2013.
Airfone subscribers can visit www.airfonetransition.com to obtain complete details about the pending network shutdown – including timelines, FAQs, replacement system options, contact information and more.
To help ease the transition for affected operators, Aircell is offering special replacement incentives on a number of its voice and Internet systems. The incentive program – available exclusively to current Airfone subscribers through December 31, 2013 – allows customers to preserve or expand their in-flight communications capabilities at below-market costs.
"In-flight communications have become an indispensable part of the business aviation experience. To ensure operators aren't without needed communications capabilities after the December 31 Airfone service shutdown, customers with MagnaStar units are encouraged to begin planning their transition now," said Wade.
For more information and assistance, Airfone service customers are invited to contact Kristi Stengl, Aircell's Transition Concierge, at kstengl@aircell.com or phone +1.303.301.3448.
About Aircell
Aircell, a Gogo company, is a leading provider of in-flight connectivity equipment and services to the business aviation market. Through a full range of services including voice, high-speed Internet, cockpit data and more, Aircell increases the productivity, safety, and enjoyment of the business aviation travel experience. Headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, USA, Aircell is an AS9100-certified company serving a global customer base with an authorized dealer/distributor network that spans 6 continents. A trusted brand in airborne communications, Aircell is a factory option at every major business aircraft manufacturer and installed on the world's largest fractional ownership fleets. The only company to offer equipment for three of the industry's most popular network technologies – Iridium Satellite, Inmarsat SwiftBroadband and Gogo Biz®, Aircell provides advice and solutions addressing any customer need, aircraft type, or geography.
A Collier Trophy nominee and the recipient of several dozen awards for innovation, Aircell is widely credited with many of the industry's most influential historical achievements, beginning with the groundbreaking airborne cellular concept that launched the company in 1991. Connect with us at www.aircell.com and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/aircellbizav.
© 2013 Aircell. All rights reserved. Aircell, Gogo and Gogo Biz, and In Touch, In Flight are trademarks of Aircell Business Aviation Services LLC or its affiliates. Third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Press Contact:
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SOURCE Aircell