Gogo has made a major step towards delivering 5G ATG connectivity to North American operators with the successful completion of its first end-to-end 5G call.

GCT Semiconductor Holding, Inc. delivered the 5G chipset, which is smaller than a thumbnail, to Gogo’s 5G partner Airspan in May, and the successful integration of the microchip into hardware and software allowed Airspan to configure and support the end-to-end call. The connection, set up in the lab, has confirmed that the technology is ready to transition to the next phase of integration testing and performance optimisation.

With final trials and documentation completed, Gogo will be ready to ship the 5G solution to its MRO network for installation. Designed specifically for business aviation, the system is said to offer faster and more resilient broadband, enabling smoother video conferencing, streaming and multiple device usage in flight.

The development builds on the strides Gogo has already made in its 5G test effort, which includes receiving formal approval from the FAA to produce and manufacture the Avance LX5 Line Replaceable Unit (LRU), which with a smaller form factor and single box option enables streamlined installation. The company has also invested in a network of 170 5G towers covering the US and parts of Canada, the installation of a new '5G core' at its data centre and the development of a new 5G aircraft antenna, as well as the 5G-optimised Avance LX5 line replaceable units.

“Gogo's commitment to delivering 5G connectivity has been consistent, even when there have been setbacks, so the successful validation of the chip represents a major achievement for us and our dedicated partners at GCT and Airspan,” says Gogo CEO Chris Moore. “Our North American tower network is 5G-ready, the antennas are prepared for shipping and the technology is in place to enable connection across North America through the Avance LX5 LRUs. We're excited to be moving closer to our goal of delivering 5G connectivity to customers by the end of the year and are confident that customers will enjoy the upgraded experience. This is certainly a defining moment for business aviation connectivity.”

More than 300 aircraft are pre-provisioned for Gogo 5G connectivity. Customers operating within the CONUS region and seeking reliable, high-speed connectivity can expect installation of the Gogo 5G system to take approximately two weeks, while an aircraft with an Avance LX5 LRU can be equipped in a shorter time frame.