Intelligent Tech Channels Issue 61 | Page 48

INTELLIGENT MOBILE TECHNOLOGY

stc and SKYFive Arabia to introduce broadband inflight connectivity to MENA

Partnership reinforces KSA ’ s position in the region as the first country to introduce A2G-based in-flight connectivity .

s tc Group has signed a partnership agreement with SKYFive Arabia , to introduce the new concept of In-Flight Connectivity ( IFC ) to airlines in Saudi Arabia .

With the roadmap to expand across the entire MENA region in the near future , the partnership will deliver unparalleled connectivity that will enrich airlines and passengers ’ travel experience .
The announcement of this agreement came within stc ’ s participation agenda in the second edition of LEAP – the world ’ s largest technical conference – where stc is a strategic sponsor .
Eng . Mohammed Alabbadi , Group Chief Carrier and Wholesale Officer at stc Group , said : “ This agreement with SKYFive Arabia aims to explore the new possibilities that A2G technology has to offer , as part of the group ’ s efforts to enable innovative NTN
( Non-Terrestrial Network ) technologies in alignment with the stc group ’ s daring strategy and the Kingdom ’ s ambitious vision .
“ Our partnership with SKYFive Arabia will reinforce the Kingdom ’ s position in the region as the first country to introduce A2G-based in-flight connectivity , which provides faster and more reliable Internet connection for local and international flights . As the Kingdom ’ s Digital Transformation accelerates , stc is paving the way for our customers and business partners to connect in more ways than ever .”
Eng . Mohamed AbdelRehim , Chief Executive Officer , Middle East Africa at SKYFive Arabia , said : “ This partnership aims to offer high-speed connectivity in aircraft , allowing airline passengers to enjoy ( up to 4K ) video streaming , web browsing , social media usage and IoT applications which will improve travel experience of passengers ;
stc Group and SKYFive Arabia sign In-Flight Connectivity partnership agreement
thereby contributing to the Digital Transformation of the aviation sector .” stc Group and SKYFive Arabia have already tested this state-of-the-art technology on a flight between Riyadh and Jeddah in collaboration with the Communications , Space and Technology Commission ( CST ) and Saudia Airlines .
This year ’ s agreement follows the CST ’ s earlier announcement made last December when stc won a 15-year license for both spectrum blocks – A2G-based network and mobile satellite services ( MSS ).
This agreement confirms the group ’ s dedication to contributing towards the realisation of the Kingdom ’ s Digital Transformation by providing unrivalled connectivity in the air and on the ground . This service will enhance airline passengers ’ experience . •
48 48 www . intelligenttechchannels . com