Boeing, T-Systems explore in-flight WLAN link

HANOVER, Germany -- T-Systems' carrier division, International Carrier Sales & Solutions (ICSS) and Connexion by Boeing will jointly explore linking the Connexion service to T-Systems' WLAN Roaming Platform.

By connecting to the platform, Connexion by Boeing would offer real-time access to the Internet and corporate intranets to airline travelers whose mobile service provider is also connected to T-Systems' WLAN Roaming Platform when they fly on airlines with the Connexion system onboard. This would provide existing T-Systems customers with streamlined billing, customer support and in-flight access to the Internet.

"With this solution, we open up our services to more potential customers and give corporate business travelers the opportunity to have high-speed Internet access in planes through their home provider," said David Friedman, vice president, marketing and corporate sales for Connexion by Boeing.

T-Systems' WLAN Roaming Platform acts as a single interface from one connected provider to all of the other carriers and wireless ISPs connected to the platform. For the traveler or wireless Internet user, this means that if their provider is connected to the platform, they have the convenience of the post paid model rather than having to pay separately or buy vouchers for using services from other providers while flying.

Significant wireless growth

"We see significant growth in the wireless market," said Frank Opfer, Vice President, ICSS Solutions Management, T-Systems. "Working with Connexion by Boeing, T-Systems will be able to provide seamless connectivity and extended reach for end-users of wireless providers offering hotspot services connected to our platform, on the ground and in the air."

For those using hotspot services, this means easy and fast access through an existing account. For carriers and wireless ISPs who connect to the WLAN Roaming Platform, T-Systems' carrier services division, ICSS, provides clearing and settlement services, defines interface specifications and offers third-level support.

Connexion by Boeing, recipient of the 2003 World Travel Award for World's Leading High-Speed In-flight Internet Services Provider, brings high-speed Internet, data and entertainment connectivity to travelers. Connexion by Boeing also offers a high-speed connectivity solution for the business aviation market, and has announced plans to enter the maritime market. 

Airline agreements

Connexion by Boeing has service agreements with Lufthansa German Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines System, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways to equip their long-haul aircraft with the service. In addition, Singapore Airlines, China Airlines and Kingdom Holding Co. have announced their intent to install the Connexion by Boeing system on their long-range aircraft. 

T-Systems is one of Europe's leading providers of information and communications technology (ICT). Within the Deutsche Telekom group, T-Systems is responsible for serving major business accounts. The company has some 41,000 staff in 20 countries. In 2003, T-Systems generated euro 10.6 billion in sales.

T-Systems' solutions improve the business competitiveness of its customers in the industry sectors telecommunications, services and finance, public and healthcare as well as manufacturing. The company optimizes processes and cuts costs for its customers, thus providing them additional flexibility for their core business. T-Systems makes targeted use of industry expertise and cutting-edge technology. Its services range from the integration of new ICT solutions into existing customer systems, through the implementation and operation of desktop systems, data centers and networks, all the way to telecommunications services and solutions for international carriers.

T-Systems' services encompass all levels of the information and communications technology value chain, spanning from ICT infrastructure and ICT solutions, up to and including business process management.

Deutsche Telekom is Europe's largest telecommunications company and one of the leading carriers worldwide, with operations in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, as well as North and South America. T-Systems ICSS is a full service provider, offering a complete range of wholesale products and services for mobile and fixed operators, and Internet Service Providers, who are looked after locally via a global sales network. The basis for ICSS' Service Offering Portfolio (Voice, IP/Data, Customized Solutions, Bandwidth) is an expanding infrastructure -- the Telekom Global Net -- which connects major international business centers.