Intelsat expands IFE with order for Gilat's SkyEdge IV Taurus Modems
The SkyEdge IV Taurus modem is backwards compatible
Intelsat is expanding its inflight connectivity (IFC) capabilities with a multimillion-dollar order for Gilat’s SkyEdge IV Taurus modems.
A March 14 press release said the SkyEdge IV Taurus is a modem designed to provide Wi-Fi and IPTV for passengers on commercial airlines, regional aircraft and business jets.
"Taurus is backward compatible, thus preserving past investments with the proven SkyEdge II-c platform, already deployed globally. This will enable Intelsat to continue to deliver high-quality IFC capabilities to its customers and an enhanced user experience, as well as to make a strategic move to embrace new technologies, such as those offered in the SkyEdge IV platform," said the release.
SkyEdge IV, launched earlier this month by Gilat, is a scalable, next-generation software-centric SATCOM ground system optimized for multi-orbit constellations and very high throughput satellites (VHTS).
“Giving our customers the ability to provide air travelers the ultimate inflight online experience is very important to us here at Intelsat. That’s why we continue to work with Gilat and are embracing their Taurus aero modem solution as a key element in our IFC offering," said Dave Bijur, Senior Vice president of Commercial Aviation at Intelsat. "With Taurus enhancing our inflight capabilities, we stand ready to capture a larger share of the resurgent IFC market."
"We value our close partnership with Intelsat and are pleased to take part in this endeavor to expand their network with Gilat’s Taurus modems and our new SkyEdge IV platform," said Amir Yafe, Vice President of Mobility & Global Accounts at Gilat.
