SmartSky Networks' next generation mobile broadband network has gone live across the US. With hundreds of sites deployed, the network density far exceeds competing air-to-ground (ATG) networks to enable consistent superior performance for business aviation across the continental United States.

“This is a momentous achievement,” says SmartSky CEO Dave Helfgott. “Our service brings a new level of connectivity and capability to the business aviation industry that transcends any solution previously available, particularly in the ATG sector.”

Utilising the unlicensed 2.4GHz spectrum band, SmartSky's network employs patented know-how that combines advanced 4G and 5G technologies to optimise scalability, transmission range and power to and from the aircraft, even in the high-interference environments over congested cities.

President Ryan Stone adds: “As we complete entry-into-service, our initial customers are flying and using the service to send data off the aircraft as easily as they stream it on. In concert, our world-class engineering team is using our software-defined network infrastructure to continuously fine tune for optimal performance and coverage.”

SmartSky's enhanced air-to-ground network enables aircraft to use 60 MHz of unlicensed spectrum for consistent, responsive data flow to and from the aircraft for passengers, flight crews and aircraft operations. Designed with input from aviation industry partners, SmartSky's antennas and onboard radio are lightweight and easy to install.

With STCs complete for many popular business aviation aircraft, SmartSky's partners are installing the company's innovative hardware on individual and fleet aircraft. Additional STCs for more aircraft types are nearing completion with the FAA.