Gogo has launched the ATG 1000 – a new connectivity system that the company says is particularly well suited for light jets, turboprops and owner-flown aircraft.
Via the Gogo Biz network service, the ATG 1000 enables passengers to use email with attachments, and call and text using their own smartphone and cell numbers.
The ATG 1000 is software-upgradable, which gives customers the ability to add connectivity features – such as web browsing – at any time, simply by purchasing a software key. In the future, the ATG 1000 is also expected to support select cockpit and operational applications.
Originally launched for the business aviation market in 2009, the Gogo Biz network service utilizes Gogo’s air-to-ground technology, providing service coverage throughout the continental USA and portions of Alaska and Canada above 10,000ft.
Five personal wi-fi-enabled devices – including smartphones, tablets and laptops – can be connected. The system is compatible with the Gogo OnePhone cabin handset. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the complete ATG 1000 system is US$35,000, excluding dealer installation and optional accessories.
“The ATG 1000’s affordability will make a connected inflight experience accessible to a whole new category of aircraft,” said John Wade, Gogo Business Aviation’s executive vice president and general manager.
“With high-performance email and personal smartphone use, it’s basic connectivity that’s anything but basic.”
ATG 1000 shipments are expected to begin later this year.
The company also announced a series of additional data plans for business aircraft operators. “By making three additional plans available, we’re giving business aircraft operators more options and greater flexibility,” said Wade.
“Benefits include the predictability of an unlimited data plan and the opportunity to save thousands of dollars every month simply by bundling their inflight connectivity services with Gogo Business Aviation – as well as the ability to consolidate their billing into a single monthly invoice.”
With the multi-network data bundle, customers get Gogo Biz and SwiftBroadband data from Gogo, with a 20% discount on both services every month. They can choose from any available data plan for each network service.
Meanwhile, the Gogo Biz unlimited data plan is US$3,995 a month. There is also the Gogo Biz 1000 data plan, designed for lighter users. This costs US$1,895 a month and includes 1GB of data. Each additional MB costs US$3.95. Multi-aircraft discounts are also available for the company’s Gogo Biz and SwiftBroadband data plans.
April 17, 2015
