SwiftBroadband (SBB) is an IP-based packet-switched communications network that provides a symmetric “Always-On” data connection of up to 432kbits/s per channel for aircraft globally (except for the Polar Regions), using the narrow spot beams of the Inmarsat-4 satellite constellation. This network allows up to two channels of bandwidth, at a higher data throughput, at a lower cost.
In Standard IP Mode, the service is shared with other concurrent users of the system, providing a “Best Effort” service which can be tailored to provide pre-determined service quality through the streaming mode. In 2013, Inmarsat announced the launch of its new SwiftBroadband High Data Rate (HDR) streaming service for the commercial aviation market which now provides a bandwidth of 650kbits/s which further supports four new streaming rates – including asymmetric services.
This SBB service enables basic compression techniques and advanced customized firewall and content filtering features which allow the respective aircraft operators to block access to any unwanted websites and to high bandwidth websites such as “YouTube”, permitting the operator to take control of the content allowed on board their aircraft.
SBB also incorporates a number of technologies to reduce data usage by up to 80% over the satellite network and provides a better overall experience for the end user by utilizing advanced acceleration, optimization, and compression designed to account for latency and packet shaping considerations specific to satellite communications.
- Operator Communications: Pilots can maintain contact with Air Traffic Control (ATC), receive real time weather communication, access the most fuel efficient oceanic flight paths, transmit the aircraft’s position and maintenance status to Headquarters, and much more.
- Passenger Communications: On aircraft fitted with SBB SatCom, passengers can make mobile phone calls and access e-mail, the internet or their corporate intranet, on their personal smartphone, tablet or laptop.
- Safety Communications: SBB is the first system to comply with the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for global safety communications. Many Airline Operators rely on SBB for their aviation safety.
L2 has integrated the latest SBB SatCom technologies by designing STC Kits and installing the latest systems offered by Collins Aerospace, Honeywell, CMC, and EMS SatCom. For those aircraft owners and operators who are interested in integrating the newest SBB SatCom technologies, L2 offers the following FAA STC/PMA Kits and Upgrades for the following aircraft types:
- B767 Aviator 300D STC (In Process)
- B767 CMC & EMS Wireless Field Upgrade
- B777 STC # ST11037SC SAT-2100B Upgrade