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Aircell Honored As Network Technology Innovator in 2008 3G CDMA Industry Achievement AwardsITASCA, Ill., Nov. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Aircell(R), a 17-year leader in airborne communications for business and commercial aviation, was recognized along with its partner ZTE as a winner of the 2008 3G CDMA Industry Achievement Awards for its innovative use of 3G mobile broadband technology to enable the Gogo(R) Inflight Internet service. Aircell and ZTE's work to adapt 3G CDMA systems for the unique challenges of providing Inflight Internet service -- including challenges of distance and speed differential between transceiver and receiver -- were recognized in the award's Network Technology Innovation category, which honors companies that have introduced new network capabilities for 3G CDMA operators. "This award reinforces our long-standing industry leadership and validates our network design approach and technology path choices," said Joe Cruz, Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer, Aircell. "Air-to-ground Inflight Internet technology benefits from every advance in wireless technology and draws on the entire wireless industry for R&D. As a result, our network has a much faster advancement path than other technologies and a clear path to continued leadership tomorrow and beyond." The company received this prestigious technology award, which recognizes individuals and companies for excellence in deploying advanced CDMA2000(R) networks, products and services, during a reception hosted by the CDMA Development Group (CDG) at the 2008 3G CDMA North America Regional Conference in San Diego on Nov. 19. The CDG's executive members and representatives from the trade media and several industry associations chose Aircell and network technology partner ZTE as a Network Technology Innovation winner, after a public nomination process. Alcatel-Lucent was also chosen as a winner in this category. "We were honored to accept this award and to be recognized in the program alongside industry giants like Alcatel-Lucent, Research In Motion and Verizon Wireless," said Jack Blumenstein, President and CEO, Aircell. "Recipients of this year's 3G CDMA Industry Achievement Awards are among the best and brightest in a very competitive wireless ecosystem," said Perry LaForge, executive director of the CDG. "The Aircell Network, supporting the Gogo Inflight Internet service, demonstrates the flexibility of CDMA2000 to adapt for reliable broadband connectivity in an innovative new wireless market." The Gogo Inflight Internet service turns a commercial airplane into a Wi-Fi hotspot with true Inflight Internet access, enabling passengers to surf the Web, check any e-mail, Instant Message, access a corporate VPN and more. The service transmits a Wi-Fi signal inside the cabin and is powered by the Aircell Network, an exclusive nationwide mobile broadband network. In addition to passenger connectivity, the Aircell Network provides airlines with connectivity to operations and a path to enhanced cabin services such as video, audio, television and more. A similar feature set is available to Business aircraft operators. About Aircell Aircell(R) is the world's leading provider of airborne communications. As winner of an exclusive FCC frequency license in 2006, Aircell has built a revolutionary mobile broadband network for commercial and business aviation. In 2008, the Aircell Network and its inflight portal, Gogo(R), revolutionized the commercial airline passenger flight experience by delivering a robust Internet experience at 35,000 feet. In addition, the Aircell Network provides airlines with connectivity to operations and a path to enhanced cabin services such as video, audio, television and more. A similar feature set is available to Business aircraft operators. Aircell has facilities in Broomfield, Colorado, and Itasca, Illinois. Aircell's vision is to give everyone the ability to stay in touch, in flight(R). For more information about Aircell, please visit http://www.aircell.com/. About Gogo Gogo(R), powered by Aircell, turns a commercial airplane into a Wi-Fi hotspot with true Inflight Internet access. Passengers with Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as laptops, smartphones and PDAs, can surf the Web, check any e-mail, Instant Message, access a corporate VPN and more. For more information about Gogo, please visit http://www.gogoinflight.com/. (C) 2008 Aircell LLC. Aircell, Gogo and In Touch, In Flight are trademarks of Aircell or its affiliates. Third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Media contact: Aircell Corporate Communications Phone: 781-455-8250 E-mail: [email protected] Aircell CONTACT: Aircell Corporate Communications, +1-781-455-8250,[email protected] Web site: http://www.aircell.com/http://www.gogoinflight.com/ |