[Satellite TODAY 05-15-13] The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted in-flight connectivity provider GoGo a blanket license to operate up to 1,000 Ku-band satellite aircraft for international and domestic service.

 

   The license was granted based on Gogo’s agreements with SES and Intelsat that will provide the company with extensive global Ku-band satellite coverage. Under its agreement with SES, Gogo will use a trio of SES satellites that will enable Gogo to expand its broadband offering in the sky to aircraft flying busy transatlantic routes. The SES-1 spacecraft will cover the continental U.S., NSS-703 and three spot beams will reach across the North Atlantic, and SES-4 serves Europe. Gogo service through the NSS-703 satellite is expected to be transitioned in mid-2014 to the new SES-6 bird, slated for launch next year.

 

    Under its agreement with Intelsat, Gogo has access to the Intelsat 19, Intelsat 21 and Intelsat 22 satellites. These satellites are designed to provide high-speed connectivity for airline passengers crossing portions of the Atlantic and northern Pacific oceans, as well as routes over South America, Asia, Africa and Australia.

 

    "The licensing is another step in allowing us to launch global in-flight services, including services for aircraft flying busy routes over the Atlantic and Pacific oceans," said Michael Small, Gogo’s president and CEO.