Gogo Starts ATG Network Flight Trials with 5G Chip

Gogo has begun flight testing its next-generation 5G air-to-ground (ATG) connectivity network for North American customers. The test team is flying 5G ATG hardware installed aboard a Pilatus PC-24 and expects to complete the validation program in 40 to 50 flight hours over several weeks.

The campaign is beginning with simple procedures and will culminate with fully loaded tests running multiple applications—including video calling, video streaming, and internet browsing—on multiple devices simultaneously. According to Gogo, its 5G ATG network will be able to deliver airborne connectivity speeds of up to 80 Mbps.

“This is a true walk before you run-type methodical test plan,” said Gogo CEO Chris Moore. “We’ve started out by establishing an end-to-end call in flight, and we’re rapidly progressing to the critical in-flight connectivity use cases that will validate readiness for 5G product launch, including simple validation, continuous connection, call setups, handovers, and application testing.”

Flight tests are using Gogo towers in eastern Colorado and Nebraska, before moving on to those around Denver, Chicago, New York, Miami, and areas in between. Meanwhile, Gogo engineers on the ground will monitor test flights while gathering data from across the 5G network and aircraft hardware platforms. The test program has already validated the 5G chip’s functionality on the ground.

As soon as flight testing is complete, Gogo will apply for FAA approval of Gogo Avance LX5 and X3. Both systems have already been approved with a 4G chip.

Gogo expects to commercially launch its 5G ATG network by year-end. Some 400 aircraft are already pre-provisioned for its 5G service, up from 300 at the end of July.