SqwaQ, announced today that it has signed G&N Aircraft as a Channel Distribution Partner for its new SqwaQbox in-flight modem. This device delivers robust data connectivity to helicopters and light fixed wing aircraft without the need of expensive satellite or microwave links.
The SqwaQbox is a patented, mobile modem developed specifically for aircraft and combines six individual 3G/4G LTE cellular links into one large, multi-redundant data connection. The bandwidth is robust enough to stream two cameras simultaneously, with less than one second latency. This allows public safety ground responders to view aerial video in real time using their smart phones and tablets to better assess emergency situations. It can also transmit other data traffic like VoIP, email, Internet access, GPS and flight sensor data concurrently. This is the first airborne Internet device of its kind, designed and manufactured to DO-160 and AS9100 aviation safety standards, as well as cellular network approval for airborne LTE transmission.
Data connectivity for routine civilian flight operations is becoming a necessity today, but existing solutions have failed to meet the demands of many users. Satellite links are slow and expensive. Microwave links are geographically limited by expensive ground receivers that must be installed across a region. Common 4G/LTE routers are designed for terrestrial use and usually do not provide enough bandwidth, range, redundancy, operating altitude or reliability required by flight applications. 5G also fails because the signals only extend a few hundred feet from the towers and they cannot cope with the speeds that aircraft fly.
“Airborne data connectivity has limitless potential to improve public safety missions, save lives and work more efficiently. To say we are excited to help launch this important technology into aviation with SqwaQ is an understatement. We already have customers requesting flight tests and integration,” said Craig Anderson, Vice President G&N Aircraft. In addition to its proprietary hardware, SqwaQ also developed a suite of services and solutions that can be customized to each user to further enhance capabilities.
SqwaQ is an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) with wholesale bandwidth agreements to provision custom data services on over 600 global cellular networks across 130 countries. Users can activate all six data connections on a single cellular network, or use multiple cell networks simultaneously for added redundancy. Network carriers can be easily changed as missions change geographic locations, to improve reliability. Because SqwaQ provides the entire hardware, data services and support solution with its channel partners, finger pointing is eliminated if a technical problem arises.
“SqwaQ is building the single, carrier-agnostic network on which all smart aircraft will fly with data connectivity up to 5500-feet AGL. This includes drones, helicopters, air taxis and fixed wing aircraft cooperating and communicating with each other through our connected skies network. G&N is part of that vision as we work together to introduce this exciting, industry changing technology.” said Michael Hinkler, VP Channel Sales for SqwaQ.
The SqwaQbox modem can be factory-installed into aircraft and drones, or retrofitted to existing aircraft.
About SqawQ
SqwaQ is an MVNO service provider focused on high-value mobile, Industrial IoT applications that demand reliable multi-redundant connectivity like aviation, telemedicine, oil and gas, and commercial construction. Founded in 2018, the company has more than a dozen patents issued or pending on its multi-redundant 3G/4G/LTE communications modem. Devices are designed to AS9100 and DO-160 specifications and manufactured in the USA. SqwaQ has wholesale bandwidth agreements with major cellular networks to provision its own customized data services on over 600 cellular networks across 130 countries.
About G&N Aircraft
G&N was founded in 1961 by NASCAR driver and aviation enthusiast Paul Goldsmith, now the oldest living veteran of the Indianapolis 500. The company operates a full service FAA Part 145 certified MRO facility, specializing in services that maintain and improve aircraft safety and reliability. We are also pilots, passionate about delivering high-quality services and solutions to our customers, and operate an International flight-training academy for commercial airlines.
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