SmartSky won’t block Gogo 5G air-to-ground network despite legal win – SpaceNews

Report on In-Flight Connectivity Innovation and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

This report examines recent developments in the in-flight connectivity sector, specifically focusing on a patent infringement case between SmartSky Networks and Gogo. The events are analyzed through the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the intersection of technological advancement, legal frameworks, and global partnerships. The case underscores the importance of fostering innovation (SDG 9), building robust global partnerships (SDG 17), and contributing to economic growth (SDG 8) through the expansion of critical digital infrastructure.

Fostering Innovation and Resilient Infrastructure (SDG 9)

The development and deployment of 5G air-to-ground (ATG) technology represents a significant step in building resilient and innovative infrastructure, a core target of SDG 9. The ongoing legal dispute highlights the complex ecosystem that governs such advancements.

Technological Advancement and Deployment

• Gogo is nearing the completion of flight tests for its 5G ATG service, with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval pending.
• The technology is designed to run on existing 4G-certified hardware, promoting a sustainable and efficient upgrade path for aviation assets.
• Market readiness for this infrastructure upgrade is demonstrated by the pre-provisioning of approximately 400 aircraft for the 5G service.

Intellectual Property and Sustainable Industrialization

The legal framework governing intellectual property is crucial for promoting sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation.

1. A federal jury found Gogo liable for patent infringement in a case initiated by SmartSky Networks, awarding $22.7 million in damages.
2. SmartSky Networks, which has since sold its assets, will pursue ongoing royalties rather than an injunction, ensuring that the rollout of this critical infrastructure is not halted.
3. Gogo has stated its intent to pursue all available legal remedies, including appeals, but affirmed that the verdict has no impact on its operational timeline for the 5G service launch.

Building Global Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)

Achieving universal connectivity requires strong multi-stakeholder partnerships. Gogo’s strategy exemplifies this principle by integrating diverse technologies and entities to create a comprehensive global network.

Multi-Orbit, Multi-Stakeholder Network

• Gogo’s network architecture combines its terrestrial ATG system with a multi-orbit satellite backbone to provide global coverage.
• This involves key partnerships with satellite operators to ensure service resilience and reach:
  • Eutelsat’s OneWeb constellation in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
  • SES and Viasat for geostationary satellite capacity.

Strategic Integration for Enhanced Capabilities

• The recent acquisition of Satcom Direct strengthens Gogo’s global service capabilities and customer support infrastructure.
• This strategic move integrates satellite communications hardware, airtime services, and network management tools, creating a unified platform that supports seamless global connectivity.

Supporting Economic Growth and Sustainable Communities (SDG 8 & SDG 11)

The expansion of advanced digital infrastructure directly contributes to sustained economic growth and the development of inclusive, connected communities.

Contribution to Economic Activity

• The deployment of 5G ATG and integrated satellite networks creates long-term value for stakeholders and stimulates economic activity within the aviation and telecommunications industries.
• Gogo’s commitment to proceeding with its service launch despite legal challenges underscores a focus on operational continuity and value creation, which are fundamental to achieving decent work and economic growth (SDG 8).

Enhancing Digital Inclusion

• By providing reliable, high-speed in-flight connectivity, this infrastructure enhances access to information and communication technologies.
• This aligns with the objectives of SDG 11 to make human settlements and the connections between them more inclusive and sustainable.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• The article is centered on the development and deployment of advanced technological infrastructure, specifically Gogo’s 5G air-to-ground (ATG) network and its integration with a multi-orbit satellite network. This directly relates to building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation within the aviation connectivity industry. The discussion of patents, technological upgrades from 4G to 5G, and the use of terrestrial towers and satellite constellations (from Eutelsat, SES, and Viasat) are all core components of this goal.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• The article discusses business activities aimed at achieving higher levels of economic productivity through technological upgrading and innovation. Gogo’s rollout of 5G service and its commitment to “creating long-term value for our stakeholders” highlight the focus on economic growth within a high-tech industrial sector. The move to a more advanced 5G network is a clear effort to boost productivity and service value in the in-flight connectivity market.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• The article explicitly mentions several partnerships crucial to Gogo’s strategy. It details how Gogo “leases satellite capacity from Eutelsat’s low Earth orbit OneWeb constellation and from geostationary operators SES and Viasat.” Furthermore, the acquisition of Satcom Direct is described as a move to “strengthen global service capabilities.” These private-private partnerships are essential for building the comprehensive, multi-orbit network required to achieve the company’s technological and service goals.

Specific Targets Identified

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

1. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
   • The article describes the development of a new 5G ATG network across the United States, which is a form of “quality, reliable… and resilient infrastructure.” This network, combined with a satellite backbone for global coverage, is designed to support economic activity, specifically for “business aviation aircraft.”
2. Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors… encouraging innovation.
   • The entire article revolves around technological innovation. The patent-infringement lawsuit is a direct result of R&D and innovation in ATG technology. The rollout of a 5G service, which is an upgrade from the previous 4G technology, is a clear example of upgrading the “technological capabilities” of the in-flight connectivity industry.
3. Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet.
   • Gogo’s 5G service and its multi-orbit satellite network are designed to “significantly increase access to information and communications technology” for a specific demographic: air travelers. While not focused on universal access in the broadest sense, it expands internet availability to environments where it was previously limited or slower.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

1. Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation.
   • The article highlights Gogo’s strategy of “technological upgrading” by moving from 4G to 5G. Furthermore, its “multi-orbit, multi-band” and “multi-spectrum approach” represents diversification of its service delivery methods to increase capacity and reliability, thereby aiming for higher economic productivity and value.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

1. Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.
   • The article provides clear examples of private-private partnerships, such as Gogo leasing satellite capacity from Eutelsat, SES, and Viasat. The acquisition of Satcom Direct is another form of strategic partnership. The mention of seeking “Federal Aviation Administration approval” also points to a necessary public-private interaction to implement the technology.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

Indicators for SDG 9 Targets

• Implied Indicator for Target 9.1: The expansion of the infrastructure’s reach. The article provides a specific metric: “about 400 aircraft have been pre-provisioned for the 5G service, 100 more than three months ago.” This number serves as a direct indicator of the progress in deploying the new infrastructure.
• Implied Indicator for Target 9.5: The level of innovation and technological advancement. The development and launch of a new 5G service is a qualitative indicator of upgraded technological capability. The existence of a patent lawsuit over the core technology also implies significant R&D and innovation have occurred.

Indicators for SDG 17 Targets

• Implied Indicator for Target 17.17: The number and nature of strategic partnerships. The article explicitly names the partners (Eutelsat, SES, Viasat) and acquisitions (Satcom Direct) that form Gogo’s multi-faceted network, serving as a clear indicator of collaboration to achieve a common goal.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: spacenews.com