SmartSky, IdeaNova Partner to Provide Secure In-Flight Streaming Services
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A new partnership will see IdeaNova Technologies’ (IdeaNova) InTouch and InPlay solutions made available via SmartSky Networks’ (SmartSky) in-flight connectivity (IFC) service.
The announcement follows successful in-flight testing of IdeaNova’s applications on the SmartSky Network. InTouch and InPlay allow secure access to business productivity solutions and in-flight entertainment streaming, respectively. Both applications benefit from the use of scalable coding and encryption.
David Claassen, CTO at SmartSky Networks, noted, “Data is at the heart of everything we do at SmartSky. Integrating with technology providers like IdeaNova expands the capability and interoperability of the SmartSky connectivity platform, giving SmartSky customers more choices for using high-bandwidth applications at 35,000 ft with the same quality and security they would experience on the ground.”
According to Mack Sinnott, Account Manager at IdeaNova Technologies, the partnership will initially be rolled out to business aviation customers, but the company also has plans to make it available to commercial airlines in the near future. This evolution is well-timed to fit with SmartSky Networks’ commercial rollout across the Continental US, which it hopes to have completed by mid-2022.
Over the past year, IdeaNova has introduced multiple new features to its customizable Inplay platform. In August, it launched WeWatch, which allows passengers to enjoy movies and TV shows together during their flight, even if they’re not seated together.
The WeWatch feature builds on the Inplay Video Chat function introduced to the platform earlier this year, which means passengers can hold video conferences with fellow passengers and send messages to others in the cabin via the IFE portal.
Juraj Siska, IdeaNova Technologies CEO added: “Our collaboration with SmartSky allows us to offer premium services through their next-generation network. The dependable throughput to and from the aircraft, coupled with our encrypted and bandwidth optimized applications, provides a new level of connectedness and entertainment not yet experienced in aviation.”