Boeing's Connexion service given spectrum allocation: Connexion by Boeing, their 1 Mbps up, 20 Mbps phased-array antenna system to broadband to airplanes in flight, was operating previously under experimental rules. With the World Radiocommunication Congress 2003 (WRC-2003) allotting secondary licensed usage in the 14.0-14.5 gigahertz (GHz) range for aeronautical satellite service. This move allows Boeing to offer its service worldwide with more guarantees and flexibility.
Connexion recently signed SAS (Scandinavian Airline System), and, in May, Lufthansa. Both airlines will equip their long-haul trans-Atlantic and other routes with Connexion with 11 and approximately 85 planes, respectively, gaining the service starting in 2004. The timetable has a 2005 completion date, and its unclear whether user adoption will drive faster deployment.