Artist rendition of Inmarsat’s European Aviation Network. Photo: Inmarsat

The Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) in London ruled in favor of Inmarsat and Ofcom. The CAT handed down its judgment dealing with Viasat’s challenge to Ofcom’s January authorization of Inmarsat’s U.K. complementary ground component (CGC), forming part of Inmarsat’s European Aviation Network (EAN).

The Tribunal comprehensively found in favor of Ofcom and Inmarsat, and determined that all of Viasat’s arguments failed. On that basis, the Tribunal dismissed Viasat’s case. The CGC authorization granted by Ofcom to Inmarsat for the EAN system remains in full force and effect.

“We welcome today’s decision and look forward to the European Aviation Network delivering a world-class WiFi experience to airline passengers in the U.K. and throughout Europe,” said Inmarsat Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rupert Pearce. “EAN represents an outstanding technological innovation, which has taken years of hard work and commitment to deliver and I am delighted to say it will very shortly be available to passengers across Europe.”