Gogo grabs 1MHz spectrum from JetBlue subsidiary LiveTV, beefs up in-flight bandwidth
In-flight internet provider Gogo's been increasing its domestic presence of late, so it makes sense for the company to snag some additional spectrum as well. Its new wireless license is for a chunk of 1 MHz spectrum that Gogo got from Live TV, the subsidiary of JetBlue that handles all of that airline's in-air entertainment and communications services. Gogo's new spectrum will augment its existing Air-to-Ground network here in the US -- pending FCC approval, of course -- and provide road (sky?) warriors with a bit more bandwidth once above 10,000 feet. For all you jet-setters, we should mention that your Gulfstream's Airfone bill will be going to Gogo from now on, as LiveTV tossed the venerable voice service in the deal, too.
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Gogo to Acquire 1 MHz Spectrum License Held by LiveTV
ITASCA, Ill., May 7, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Gogo, a leader of in-flight connectivity and a pioneer in wireless in-flight digital entertainment solutions, announced today that it has reached an agreement to acquire the Airfone business unit from LiveTV, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of JetBlue Airways Corporation. The acquisition will give Gogo a 1 MHz spectrum license currently held by LiveTV.
The 1 MHz license will be used as a supplement to Gogo's existing 3 MHz license and is expected to enhance its' Air-to-Ground network, which is used to provide connectivity service to commercial airlines and business aircraft over the contiguous United States and portions of Alaska. The agreement is subject to approval by the FCC and is currently under review. If approved by the FCC, the deal is expected to close later this year.
"In many ways, Gogo has continued to expand its Air-to-Ground network and will soon launch ATG-4, which is expected to significantly improve capacity," said Gogo's president and CEO Michael Small. "Acquiring the 1 MHz spectrum license from LiveTV will play an integral role in our continued expansion activities and help us deliver a performance boost for end users."
In addition to acquiring the 1 MHz spectrum license, Gogo also will acquire all of the network infrastructure and back-office operational assets of Airfone and looks forward to working with current Airfone customers now and in the future.
