SmartSky 4G LTE Air-to-Ground Network Deployment Initiated

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SmartSky Networks, LLC, an aviation communications provider, has initiated deployment of the nation's first airborne 4G LTE-based air-to-ground (ATG) network. Using 60 MHz of spectrum and patented beamforming technology, SmartSky's network will provide more than 10 times the typical speed and capacity of the current industry standard ATG network, and at a lower cost per bit, ushering in the new era of business-grade inflight connectivity as shown in this customer demonstrationflight video compilation.

The design and rollout of SmartSky's patented infrastructure is being led by its veteran telecommunications team, building on extensive network and radio technology experience at companies such as Sprint, Nextel and Vanguard Cellular. With years of intensive research and development already completed, the company's recently announced $170M Series B funding round jump-started the long lead-time implementation processes for roll-out of the U.S. network. Accomplishments to date include:

    a)                Network data centers have been
                      established and are operational in
                      Ashburn, VA, and San Jose, CA;

    b)                Commitments have been secured for
                      high bandwidth backhaul resources;

    c)                Installations have been completed
                      of new and highly advanced
                      technologies that provide for
                      secure, very low latency,
                      virtualized evolved packet core
                      (EPC) operations;

    d)                The first Supplemental Type
                      Certification (STC) is under
                      development and on track to be
                      submitted to the FAA in the near
                      term, with software for the
                      airborne systems now being flight
                      tested.  FAA Parts Manufacturer
                      Approval (PMA) and STCs for over
                      40 popular business aircraft
                      models will follow the FAA's
                      approval of the first STC, based
                      on commitments from leading MROs
                      and OEMs;

    e)                86% of the selected base station
                      sites nationwide have already
                      passed initial on-site viability
                      testing and are now in permitting
                      and backhaul-connection phases.
                      Final ground infrastructure is
                      being installed and commissioned
                      upon completion of local
                      permitting;

    f)                Production activities for radios,
                      antennas and ancillary equipment
                      for both ground stations and
                      aircraft are underway;

    g)                Multiple flight test ranges in
                      diverse geographies have been
                      implemented and field validation
                      testing of the ATG radios,
                      antennas and network
                      infrastructure is ongoing.

The company's estimate for completing coverage to support the network's nationwide service launch has been updated to mid-2018, reflecting additional time being required for STC-related software optimization and production of base station radios. SmartSky's Early Bird customers and distribution partners have been notified, as consistent with the company's commitment to timely updates.

"Customers are unanimously impressed after experiencing inflight demos, confirming that we have significantly raised the bar for what will constitute best-in-class, future-ready airborne connectivity going forward," said Chairman and CEO Haynes Griffin. "They seem equally appreciative of the fact that the few months of additional schedule to meet the high standards we have set for this network is ultimately to everyone's benefit."

To learn more, visit smartskynetworks.com, call 800-660-9982 or email info@smartskynetworks.com.

About SmartSky Networks
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, SmartSky Networks was formed in 2011 by senior aviation and telecommunications executives seeking to transform aviation using disruptive communications technologies. Working with leading aerospace and technology partners, SmartSky has begun the rollout of its innovative, air-to-ground network, SmartSky 4G LTE, and plans to initiate commercial services in mid-2018. The network takes advantage of patented spectrum reuse, advanced beamforming technologies and 60 MHz of spectrum for significantly enhanced connectivity. SmartSky 4G LTE delivers data to the aircraft with speeds comparable to next generation satellite solutions and provides unmatched speeds for data transmissions from the aircraft. This real-time, low latency, bidirectional link makes SmartSky 4G LTE a key enabler for the new and enhanced apps, services, and hardware that will usher in the digitization of the aviation industry. Learn more at www.smartskynetworks.com.

Media Contact: Christine Hall, Christine@smartskynetworks.com

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SOURCE SmartSky Networks, LLC