Inmarsat Backs ITU Resolution on Global Aircraft Tracking Spectrum

A Boeing 777-9X in ANA livery. Photo: Boeing

[Via Satellite 11-03-2014] Inmarsat has backed the International Telecommunications Union’s (ITUs) decision to place spectrum allocations for global flight tracking on the agenda for the 2015 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15). Calling the resolution “timely action,” Inmarsat said it wholeheartedly supports the move and will also aid and assist in any study groups established on the topic.

Today Inmarsat provides more than 11,000 commercial passenger aircraft with aviation safety services, including in flight tracking. The company intends to offer a free tracking service that could be enabled today using existing technology. Inmarsat also intends to offer a “black box in the cloud” service — an idea the ITU is currently exploring — and an enhanced position reporting facility to support reduced in-flight aircraft separation.

“Inmarsat hopes that this work will be expedited in accordance with normal ITU practices to ensure that all systems are interoperable and coordinated, pursuant to normal requirements for aviation safety services. Inmarsat will lend active support to expedite this work and would welcome a definition and delineation of aviation safety service requirements for which spectrum can be allocated,” the company said in a statement.