Business aviation getting Aircell VoIP-based phones

Don't look for in-flight phones to pop up in business class on commercial airlines anytime soon, but if you fly the rarified air of some top corporate travelers, the kind that can say "have the G4 in Chicago at 4 p.m.," you may soon be able to make air-to-ground calls using GoGo's Biz Voice service.

The service will use VoIP technology across Aircell's ATG network in the U.S., allowing multiple calls and Internet access at the same time.  Aircell says it will offer high-quality voice service because of its advanced air-to-ground technology, along with Internet performance similar to ground-based hot spots--from a single equipment package.

"Aircell's robust air-to-ground technology is extremely capable. We've considered adding voice to Gogo Biz from the very beginning," said John Wade, Aircell's Executive Vice President & General Manager of Business Aviation Services. "No other network service can match Gogo Biz's combination of Internet performance, voice quality, small equipment size and affordability. Gogo Biz is already the fastest-selling service in our history, and we expect interest to increase even further as voice is introduced."

Aircell plans an expanded suite of Gogo Biz monthly service plans, allowing customers to choose both voice and data packages. Gogo Biz Voice will be compatible with the new Aircell Smartphone, a next-generation cabin handset. The Aircell Smartphone will be backward-compatible with all Aircell Axxess communications systems currently in production and available as a drop-in replacement for the company’s Aircell Axxess flush-mount handset. Shipments of the new Aircell Smartphone are scheduled to begin in late 2011, and pricing will be announced prior to that time.

For more:
- see this release about Gogo Biz Voice
- see this release about the Aircell Smartphone
- see this article from Flightglobal

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