• Global network of satellites located near the equator.

• Most common connectivity providers

Viasat

• Uses a series of satellites in geostationary orbit.

• Can use an air to ground 4G network via cellular towers near airports

Panasonic

• Another big name in satellite connectivity for aviation

• Uses Ka-band satellite connectivity

How Does it all work?

1. The plane uses a specialized antenna known as a radome to send and receive signals with satellites

2. Depending on the system:

• Satellite transmits signal to plane

OR

• Plane transmits signal to ground-based antenna which uploads it to satellite

3. Satellite connects with other Inmarsat satellites or terrestrial networks to the internet.

4. Finally, the data reaches its destination, and passengers connect to the aircraft’s Wi-Fi network.