Gogo announces 5G ATG will match digital terrestrial performance as testing progresses toward on-wing trials

Rhea-AI Summary

Gogo (NASDAQ: GOGO) has reached the final stages of terrestrial testing for its next-generation 5G air-to-ground (ATG) technology. The testing results demonstrate peak speeds of up to 80 Mbps, matching digital terrestrial performance and exceeding anticipated performance models.

The system utilizes the AVANCE LX5 platform and MB13 antennas, with over 300 private aircraft already pre-provisioned for the 5G network. The company has secured 33 STCs for major aircraft types, with 28 completed and 5 more expected by Q4. Flight testing is scheduled to begin in early Q4, and Gogo has established line fit commitments with five OEMs for the 5G ATG service.

Positive

• Testing confirms peak speeds of up to 80 Mbps, matching home/office internet performance
• Over 300 private aircraft already pre-provisioned for 5G network connection
• 33 STCs secured with 28 completed for major aircraft types
• Line fit commitments established with 5 OEMs
• Military/government sector expansion potential through PACE communications planning

Negative

• Installation process takes approximately two weeks for new installations

Insights

Telecommunications Infrastructure Analyst

Gogo's 5G ATG testing shows promising 80Mbps speeds, with 300+ aircraft pre-provisioned and imminent flight testing starting Q4.

Gogo's announcement marks a significant milestone in their 5G air-to-ground (ATG) technology development. The company has reached the final stages of terrestrial testing with reported peak speeds of 80 Mbps, which represents a substantial performance improvement over current in-flight connectivity options. This performance level validates their technical approach and brings them closer to commercial deployment.

The validation of the complete technology stack—including the AVANCE LX5 platform, MB13 antennas, and associated software—demonstrates readiness for real-world deployment. With over 300 private aircraft already pre-provisioned for the 5G network and 28 completed Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) covering major aircraft types, Gogo has built significant momentum for adoption.

From a competitive standpoint, Gogo's enterprise-grade dedicated network for business aviation offers an advantage in congested areas, as it doesn't share network resources with other sectors. This exclusivity should allow for more consistent performance compared to shared satellite networks.

The military/government sector expansion represents a strategic diversification opportunity. By integrating with the military's PACE (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency) communications planning, Gogo is positioning its 5G technology as a redundant communications option for defense applications, potentially opening new revenue streams beyond commercial aviation.

The five OEM line-fit commitments indicate strong industry acceptance and will streamline installation for new aircraft, reducing barriers to adoption. Meanwhile, the established MRO network facilitates retrofitting existing aircraft with minimal downtime.

Broomfield, CO., Sept. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gogo (NASDAQ: GOGO) announced today that it has reached the crucial final phases of terrestrial testing of its next-generation 5G air-to-ground (ATG) technology. So far, the results show that the 5G chip meets and exceeds anticipated performance speeds and network performance models, confirming that Gogo is one step closer to delivering never-before-seen ATG speeds to North American customers operating in the CONUS region. Customers subscribing to the new Gogo 5G service will receive reliable and cost-effective broadband connectivity that emulates the digital capabilities of at-home and office environments.

Testing has evolved beyond virtual modeling and now utilizes the AVANCE LX5 platform, MB13 antennas, and associated software to establish stable connections, delivering peak speeds of up to 80 Mbps. The testing also demonstrates that the Gogo 5G chip is functioning as expected, and the high speeds and low latency easily support streaming, video conferencing, and data-hungry applications across multiple devices.

“With these outcomes, we’re resetting expectations around former ATG performance and are excited that we will be delivering a high-speed service that delivers the same type of experience you’d expect from an internet service at home or in the office,” says Chris Moore, CEO of Gogo. “By validating the actual equipment and software that will be installed on the aircraft, alongside the 5G ground tower network, we are showing that customers can expect high-speed broadband from service activation.” Once terrestrial testing is complete, flight testing is expected to begin in early Q4.

Moore also anticipates market growth in the mil/gov sector. “With the support of Government funding, Gogo is also leveraging our SD Pro operating system. This enables monitoring and utilization of the military’s Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency (PACE) communications planning method, where units route different communication methods for situations where the primary method fails.  Gogo 5G ATG is giving the forces an impressive, efficient new alternative for redundancy.”

More than 300 private aircraft are already pre-provisioned to connect with the Gogo 5G network.  The enterprise-grade system, designed and certified for business aviation users, does not share its network with other sectors, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity even in congested areas. Customers also benefit from 24/7/365 support, numerous incentives for existing and new customers, and an array of value-added services.  To support rapid uptake of the system, 33 STCs covering all major aircraft types operating in the CONUS region have already been contracted, with 28 completed, and five more anticipated to be confirmed by the end of Q4. In addition, Gogo has line fit commitments with five OEMs for the 5G ATG service, with one already installing the MB-13 antennas with the AVANCE L5 4G line replaceable units, LRUs, on the assembly line today. These LRUs will simply need to be replaced with the AVANCE LX5 when the service is switched on.

Installation of the Gogo 5G ATG solution is available through the extensive national Gogo MRO network and will take approximately two weeks, while an aircraft already equipped with an AVANCE LX5 LRU can be equipped in a shorter timeframe. 
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About Gogo

Gogo is the only multi-orbit, multi-band in-flight connectivity provider offering connectivity technology purpose-built for business and military/government aviation. Its industry-leading product portfolio offers best-in-class solutions for all aircraft types, from small to large, heavy jets, and beyond.

The Gogo offering uniquely incorporates Air-to-Ground technology with high-speed satellite networks to deliver consistent, global tip-to-tail connectivity through a sophisticated suite of software, hardware, and advanced infrastructure supported by a 24/7/365 in-person customer support team.

Gogo consistently strives to set new standards for reliability, security and innovation, and is shaping the future of inflight aviation to make it easier for every customer to stay connected beyond all expectations.
                                                     
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Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 14, 2025, and in our subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC. .

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Attachment

• Gogo announces 5G ATG

Jane Stanbury
Gogo
+1 4389981668
Jane@arenagroupassociates.com

FAQ

What speeds will Gogo's 5G ATG technology deliver to aircraft?

Gogo's 5G ATG technology has demonstrated peak speeds of up to 80 Mbps during testing, matching home/office internet performance levels.

How many aircraft are currently ready for Gogo's 5G network?

Over 300 private aircraft are pre-provisioned to connect with Gogo's 5G network, with installations available through Gogo's national MRO network.

When will Gogo begin flight testing its 5G ATG technology?

Flight testing is expected to begin in early Q4 2025, following the completion of terrestrial testing.

How long does it take to install Gogo's 5G ATG solution?

A new installation takes approximately two weeks, while aircraft already equipped with an AVANCE LX5 LRU can be equipped in a shorter timeframe.

How many STCs does Gogo have for its 5G ATG system?

Gogo has secured 33 STCs for major aircraft types, with 28 completed and 5 more expected by the end of Q4.