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Avionics Update: Qualcomm demonstrates live video conferencing
By: Stephen Pope
Caption: Wireless communications company Qualcomm last month put on an impressive demonstration of its medium data rate satcom system (MDSS) on the show floor at NB
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Wireless communications company Qualcomm last month put on an impressive demonstration of its medium data rate satcom system (MDSS) on the show floor at NBAA in New Orleans. The system used a 128-kbps satellite connection to the Internet to uplink live video and audio from Qualcomm’s exhibit-floor display to a company Challenger 604 flying over San Diego. “We’ve been working on this system for more than two years,” said Scott Becker, senior v-p of the company’s wireless systems division. “We had seen a lot of interest in the technology from both corporate aviation and the airlines but were planning on a slower rollout.” With the heightened attention given to security since September 11, Becker said, Qualcomm has been showcasing MDSS on Capitol Hill for its ability to allow controllers on the ground to keep tabs on what is happening aboard an airplane in flight. MDSS uses the Globalstar satellite network consisting of 48 low-earth-orbit satellites to provide continuous bidirectional communications. Becker said MDSS could also be used for sending and receiving e-mail, transmitting instant messages and connecting to Web sites. As demonstrated, MDSS provided an acceptable, if somewhat pixelated, picture of Qualcomm representatives aboard the Challenger. Certification of the system is scheduled for later this year.