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[Satellite News 01-12-10] The success of Lufthansa Airlines' project to relaunch FlyNet, its on-board broadband Internet service, with Panasonic is a key element of the airline's product strategy, Lufthansa Product Director Bernhardt Seiter told Satellite News.
FlyNet, which uses Panasonic Avionics Corp.'s global satellite communications suite of voice, video and data services, is intended to provide connectivity services to passengers while transmitting airline data at speeds of up to 50 megabits per second to the aircraft.
Several satellite companies have a hand in Lufthansa's in-flight entertainment vision. MTN Satellite Communications provides Ku-band satellite network services, EMS Technologies' Defense & Space Division provides a dual-panel, satellite-tracking antenna and iDirect is supplying the satellite IP router technology as a core component of the Panasonic eXConnect in-flight satellite transmission platform.
Seiter discussed his hopes for FlyNet in 2010 and the belief that a satellite-based solution will give Lufthansa an edge over other airlines.
Satellite News: What is your service launch target date?
Seiter: We intend to launch these services in the second half of 2010. We will have several technical tests in the first half. The roll out will happen this year.
Satellite News: What are the rollout plans?
Seiter: We will...