Intelsat has expanded its inflight connectivity services to Indian territory through its recently established partnership with Nelco. The service became immediately available to partnering airlines and eligible clients, according to a press release.
“In addition to expanding our service coverage area for current customer airlines, our agreement with Nelco opens the possibility for Intelsat to serve India’s domestic airlines,” said Jeff Sare, president of Commercial Aviation at Intelsat. “This is a fast-growing airline market, and there is considerable untapped potential for IFC growth.”
The service grants customers access to remote connectivity throughout their travel experience.
“This agreement is welcome news for Intelsat’s airline partners and flyers as they will enjoy end-to-end broadband coverage on domestic and international aircraft flying to or from an Indian airport, as well as aircraft flying over the country,” a recent press release reveals.
It’s been more than two years since Nelco launched the services in hopes of receiving a positive response that could later be mirrored in future collaborations with global partners.
“We are proud that Nelco has forged this relationship with in-flight connectivity pioneer Intelsat to offer Aero IFC services on their customer aircraft,” said PJ Nath, managing director & CEO of NELCO. “As India’s leading Satcom service provider offering best-in-class services, we are now creating a great opportunity through this relationship with Intelsat for further growth of our Aero IFC services in the country in the coming years – and we intend to be a leader in this market in India.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Nelco serves local demand utilizing Intelsat’s IS-33e high throughput satellite, initially launched in 2016. Currently approved by an Indian government regulator, the system’s C and Ku-band connectivity reaches territories in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.