HOLMDEL, N.J. (August 13, 2001) – Flash Networks Inc., a global provider of wireless data infrastructure products, today announced that their NettGain 1100 product has been selected by AirCell, Inc. to provide optimization for its airborne weather and Internet services. This is the first partnership of its kind designed to optimize AirCell’s Flight Guardian services that provides essential weather information to pilots in flight.
“We are delighted that AirCell has selected us to be part of their in-flight, data-based wireless communication services for the general aviation and commercial airline markets.” said P.K. Prasanna, president, Flash Networks Inc. and Chief Operating Officer. “Our wireless data products are designed to very high standards and will ensure support for AirCell customers’ ever-increasing demands to access data services like e-mail, real-time news and weather information.”
“Flight Guardian is designed to help the piston engine pilot stay out of bad weather,” said Jim Stinehelfer, AirCell President and CEO. “Not only will Flight Guardian provide the latest NEXRAD radar maps available, but it will also do so at a low enough cost that the general aviation pilot can afford to use it.”
AirCell’s Flight Guardian services will transmit high-resolution weather maps to the cockpit such as NEXRAD radar, Weather Depiction, and Flight Rules maps. Textual files such as METARs and TAFs will also be available when these services debut in October. Utilizing NettGain 1100 will enable AirCell to offer these high-resolution maps at the lowest possible cost to the pilot by reducing the time necessary to transmit the images.
“Our plan is to be able to download any one map in less than one minute,” said Stinehelfer. “We expect the total monthly bill to be less than $30 for the typical general aviation pilot.”
About NettGain 1100
NettGain 1100 is a portfolio of technologies that dramatically improves the wireless experience for users of laptops, sub-notebooks, handheld PCs and other wireless-ready data devices. With its protocol optimization, compression, and content control features, NettGain 1100 increases the speed in which Web pages load and e-mails exchange, and users maintain total control over the type and quality of the content they receive. Available in both client-server and server-only configurations, NettGain 1100 products seamlessly support multiple wireless networks.
About AirCell
Headquartered in Louisville, Colorado, AirCell provides advanced in-flight communications systems and services for the aviation markets. AirCell is the only airborne system authorized by the FCC to provide in-flight telecommunications service using the existing nationwide cellular infrastructure. By using patented technology, which interfaces the AirCell system to existing ground-based cellular networks, AirCell is able to offer reliable voice, data, and Internet access services to airborne customers at a fraction of the cost of competitive services. More information about AirCell and its products can be found at www.Aircell.com.
About Flash Networks
Flash Networks develops and markets products to accelerate TCP/IP applications over wireless and satellite networks, enabling dramatic improvements in network capacity and performance. The NettGain product portfolio supports a wide range of architectures, client devices and wireless infrastructures. Its unique technologies, including protocol acceleration, compression and application-specific enhancements, provide a competitive advantage to implementers of wireless and satellite solutions.
Founded in 1996, the company has customers in North America, Europe and Asia and maintains offices in Herzelia, Israel and Holmdel, N.J., USA. Additional offices are being established in Europe and East Asia. For more information, visit www.flashnetworks.com or call 1-800-526-4060.