In-flight comms provider Gogo has completed a 5G end-to-end phone call, using technology from GCT Semiconductor Holdings.

The event represents a critical stage in the provider’s plan towards delivering 5G air-to-ground (ATG) connectivity to North American operators.

GCT Semiconductor Holding, Inc. (NYSE: GCTS) delivered the new 5G chipset to Airspan, a provider of network deployment solutions and Gogo’s 5G partner, in May. The successful integration of the microchip, which is smaller than a thumbnail, into hardware and software allowed Airspan to configure and support the end-to-end call. The connection, set-up in the lab, confirms the 5G technology is ready to transition to the next phase of integration testing and performance optimisation.

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“Gogo’s commitment to delivering 5G connectivity has been consistent, even when there have been setbacks, so the successful validation of the chip represents a major achievement for us and our dedicated partners at GCT and Airspan,” says Chris Moore, Gogo CEO. “We’re excited to be moving closer to our goal of delivering 5G connectivity to customers by the end of the year and are confident that customers will enjoy the upgraded experience. This is certainly a defining moment for business aviation connectivity.”

More than 300 aircraft are pre-provisioned for Gogo 5G connectivity.