Delivering speeds of up to 100 Mbps per airliner, the service uses the ViaSat SurfBeam 2 technology, and it will be deployed on Eutelsat’s KA-SAT high throughput satellite, which delivers a total capacity of 90 Gbps. Besides internet access, the service will allow for videostreaming and GMS services via tables, smartphones and laptops.

   To deploy Eutelsat Air Access, Eutelsat is partnering with LiveTV, a provider of live in-flight entertainment and connectivity services for commercial airlines. Under the partnership, LiveTV will deliver, integrate and maintain on-board equipment and operate Wi-Fi Internet access services and video streaming for passengers.

Eutelsat Air Access will be available in the second half of 2013 across Europe and the Mediterranean Basin. The company expects to expand the service area using other Ka-band satellites.