Press Release
Issued by ICG.
October 21, 2013
ICG (International Communications Group, Inc.) has announced the development of a new mobile application for Apple and Android phones that will allow customers to use their own personal devices to make calls and send text messages from an aircraft while in flight. “This air-to-ground or ground-to-air calling app will work over Inmarsat and Ku/Ka band systems, managed by the eRouter, to connect to an active voice account provided by either Satcom Direct, Satcom1 or ARINC Direct,” explained Brad Smith, ICG executive vice president. “When the application is turned on, it will register with the ground-based SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) service provider. Once registered, a number will be provided to the user that will enable him to utilize his own, familiar mobile device with pre-stored contacts and pass codes to dial and receive calls from ground-based phones, just as one would on the ground. The text-based instant messaging capability will also work with Facebook, Google and other IM services that use XMPP (extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol) to provide chat service while aloft,” he explained.
ICG's eRouter features multi-tiered PCB board technology that combines several competitors systems and applications into one box. It not only serves as a solution for new installations but also as a replacement for systems that are now obsolete or reaching the end of production life. A few of the major advantages to the eRouter's design is that it is the smallest, lightest and it has the lowest power consumption of any other aeronautical router in its class.
The ERT-120 provides enhanced data routing functions such as acceleration/ compression as well as virtual LAN capabilities and customizable user profile routing. ICG's eRouter can be configured as a Wireless Access Point (AP) for devices requiring Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) services. Alternatively, it can be configured as a Wi-Fi client to provide connectivity to ground based wireless networks while on the tarmac. Once connected, eRouter users will be able to communicate with multiple Local Area Networks (LANs) or Wide Area Network (WAN) clients, allowing the aircraft to be included in the office-based network and users to have peer-to-peer access to each other whenever service is available.
In addition to Wi-Fi connectivity, the eRouter offers certified 4G GSM (global system for mobile) cellular service that can be used for data connectivity and file transfers when the aircraft is on the ground. The device features three easily accessible SIM Card access ports in the front of the device, allowing the aircraft to be operated in multiple geographic regions without having to swap out SIM cards. The eRouter manages connectivity for all cabin crew, flight deck and aircraft system data communication requirements.
The unit also provides airborne connectivity for Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs), passenger PCs, Smartphones and other IP devices and offers many features found in a typical corporate office networks. The eRouter is a small (12 in x 81⁄2” in x 33⁄4 in) flange mount device that offers access to multiple communications networks such as Inmarsat, Swift Broadband (SBB), Ku/Ka ViaSat, Iridium and other networks.
“The eRouter is also designed with a modular architecture to provide easy expandability and reduce product costs by offering an operator only those services they might currently require, yet providing a forward upgrade path for future and emerging requirements. It is the lightest, smallest and most flexible aeronautical routing solution on the market today” Smith concluded.
ICG is now accepting orders and is on schedule to begin deliveries of its new ERT-120 eRouter during the fourth quarter of 2013.
