Panasonic Avionics, Lake Forest, Calif., is jumping into the in-flight broadband market with the signing this week of a multi-year service agreement with Intelsat Inc., a satellite services provider based in Bermuda. Panasonic is introducing a satellite transmission service, called Panasonic eXConnect, which will allow airline passengers the ability to access Internet in-flight. The platform will use Intelsat’s existing GlobalConnexSM Broadband service that is available on Intelsat’s global fleet of 53 in-orbit satellites, and regional teleport facilities. Panasonic said the eXConnect system enables two-way broadband connectivity that provides a range of applications including VPN, live TV, streaming media, and personal devices integrated to the airline’s in-flight entertainment systems, with data rates comparable to ground public Wi Fi hotspots. "On-demand, mobile communications continues to fuel the widespread integration of cutting-edge satellite services,” said Jay Yass, Intelsat’s vice president, network services. “The agreement with Panasonic further demonstrates Intelsat’s ability to lead the global satellite industry in creating innovative data, video and voice infrastructure solutions. The Panasonic eXConnect platform, powered by the Intelsat system, delivers seamless broadband connectivity to passengers who seek Internet access wherever and whenever they need it, enabling them to stay connected while in flight.”