International Communications Group (ICG) has unveiled a revolutionary new Cabin Telephony Unit (CTU)-- the AeroCom 1700. Designed to bridge the gap between analog and digital communication technologies, the small, lightweight AeroCom 1700 will operate with all legacy communications systems and support emerging communications networks without the need to add peripheral interface devices or change out existing systems.
“The AeroCom 1700 offers all the popular and traditional CTU functions such as selectable dialing plans, call transfer, conference calling, queuing, voice prompts, and combines them with new features available through Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and Internet Protocol (IP) technologies,” commented Armin Jabs, Chief Operating Officer of ICG. “All CTU features are simple to use and operate either with current ICG analog, corded or cordless handsets or the new family of digital handsets ICG has introduced,” he continued. “It also supports conventional air-to-ground and ground-to-air calling, as well as new all-digital Voice Over Internet Provider (VoIP) and hybrid IP systems. This new ICG CTU is truly a flexible and universal device, incorporating non-proprietary open architecture and compliant with communications industry standards and conventions,” Jabs added.
The AeroCom 1700 standard configuration supports and manages voice communications with all past and current aeronautical INMARSAT terminals including Swift Broadband. It also manages other global sat-com networks such as Iridium, Ku-Band V-Sat, as well as the regional and emerging networks such as TerreStarTM and Thurya. “Whether designing a new aircraft communications suite or upgrading an existing cabin, operators can select the AeroCom 1700 because it has the physical interfaces required to connect to all popular devices,” Jabs explained.
The AeroCom 1700 even allows configurations to be tailored to support the desires of different passengers when they use the aircraft. It also stores configuration information in a secured module so that it can be moved from unit to unit, reducing maintenance or replacement time. The AeroCom 1700, along with new ICG digital retractor reel and cordless handsets, can provide a comprehensive and unlimited solution for any airframe regardless of size or operational requirements.