CommAgility software selected by SmartSky for air-to-ground network

SmartSky Networks has selected the CommAgility high-performance telecommunications systems software as a key part of its next-generation air-to-ground (ATG) network.

CommAgility has supplied a comprehensive set of customised software and tools to SmartSky for in-flight connectivity, providing a full protocol stack and physical layer (PHY) for SmartSky’s Aircraft Base Radio (ABR), which is the user equipment (UE) on board the aircraft. The ABR connects to a ground base station and provides broadband in-flight connectivity for the operational needs of the aircraft, passengers, and crew.

“We’re combining the best telecoms technologies to deliver the optimal airborne communications network. We enhance standards-based 4G LTE and 5G technologies in an integrated system designed to provide high-bandwidth and reliable performance at close and long-range, in the most challenging mobility use-case – aviation. CommAgility has been able to tailor its world-class software to meet our unique needs,” said David Claassen, Chief Technology Officer at SmartSky Networks. “We’ve built up trust and a strong relationship with CommAgility. They have provided an amazing set of technologies which helped us to deliver our solution to the market.”

“SmartSky has built an innovative network that transforms the in-flight experience, as well as providing invaluable data services for the aviation industry,” said Edward Young, Senior Vice President and Managing Director at CommAgility. “We’re proud that our software is playing an important role in the network.”

For SmartSky’s UE, CommAgility has provided its MobilePHY-TI and MobileSTACK software. It has also provided development tools and test software.