Story ID: 415
Inmarsat, Honeywell Launch SwiftJet L-band Satcom
By: Matt Thurber
Caption: Inmarsat's new L-band network will bring higher speeds for L-band satcom users. 
Word Count: 237
nmarsat is introducing the Elera L-band satellite network and partnering with Honeywell to supply airborne equipment for the SwiftJet satcom service that will utilize the new network. Elera expands Inmarsat’s L-band capability from its popular SwiftBroadband service, which was introduced in 2008 and now serves about 4,500 customers.

SwiftBroadband offers system speeds of up to 432 kbps, while SwiftJet-equipped aircraft will be able to tap into speeds of up to 2.6 Mbps, allowing full email, web browsing, and video streaming services. Like SwiftBroadband, Elera will also be safety services-certified, according to Kai Tang, Inmarsat senior v-p and head of business and general aviation. “The move to megabits per second is a big move,” he said.

Existing SwiftBroadband customers will be able to upgrade their airborne equipment by replacing a circuit card or an avionics box, without changing wiring or the satcom antenna, making SwiftJet installations far simpler and less costly. Inmarsat will continue to support SwiftBroadband users, Tang said.

Launch of Elera service is scheduled for 2023, and the network will be further enhanced as Inmarsat adds two I-6 satellites next year. These will support SwiftJet users through the 2030s as well as be part of Inmarsat’s Orchestra dynamic mesh network. Orchestra taps into geosynchronous and low-earth-orbit satellites as well as terrestrial 5G cellular to provide communications services.
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