The two companies are working closely with several potential airline customers and are readying demonstration flights with Aero Mobile service in mid-2005. “We are bringing to market a fully-defined mobile service ahead of any competitor,” stated Bernt Fanghol, Vice President, Mobile Connectivity, Telenor New Business. “AeroMobile has the advantage in capturing the earliest opportunities for passenger mobile services inflight due to our developed terrestrial infrastructure, established international roaming agreements, and thoroughly tested onboard satellite communications systems.

AeroMobile will deliver proven and reliable cellular calling, initially for passengers on long- haul flights, and later for users on regional flights and business aviation aircraft.” “AeroMobile is targeting the earliest introduction of in-flight mobile calling,” stated David Coiley, ARINC director for Aircraft Mobile Connectivity. “We were also first with a firm commitment from our technical partners, and first with a fully-defined product offering. Our public ground demonstrations in 2004 were highly successful and extremely well-received by the world’s airlines. Pending regulatory and certification approvals, we anticipate AeroMobile services to be available for airline passengers by Q4 of 2005.”

“Uniquely, our AeroMobile inflight solution makes use of the existing Inmarsat avionics found on virtually all long-haul passenger aircraft,” continued Coiley. “AeroMobile will rapidly evolve to include data services and other enhancements as future Inmarsat Swift64 and Swift Broadband services are deployed.” Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, Telenor is an international provider of high quality telecommunications, data and media communication services.