MEBA2012: TrueNorth heading in a new direction

Ottawa-headquartered TrueNorth Avionics (stand 393) unveiled its new GSM-based mobile phone system at MEBA today.  
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Simphon? Mobile has been designed specifically for business aviation and enables biz-jet owners and operators to offer airborne voice and text services, allowing passengers and crew to talk and text with their own mobile phones from the moment they board the aircraft.
 
The single line replaceable unit (LRU) is installed alongside the TrueNorth Simphon? Chorus system, which already provides Internet, e-mail and WiFi capabilities, as well as high definition on-board voice.
 
The addition of Simphon? Mobile provides new voice and texting capabilities, allowing users to be reached virtually anywhere they happen to be, on their own mobile phone.
 
Like standard ground-based GSM systems, Simphon? Mobile supports international roaming and airtime charges are billed to the mobile phone owner’s account.
 
Simphon? Mobile is now shipping and we are booking orders,” said TrueNorth CEO Mark van Berkel. “We’re seeing early enthusiasm for the system and have already shipped several systems for installation on VVIP aircraft in the Middle East.
 
It’s simple – the easiest way for me to connect with family, friends and colleagues while travelling is with my own mobile phone. It’s convenient. All my contacts are stored on it and anyone who has my mobile number can now reach me directly while I’m in flight. This makes travelling easier, because I don’t have to give out a different phone number when I have to fly.
 
This is why TrueNorth developed Simphon? Mobile – to leverage people’s own communication styles. It is the first and only GSM solution designed specifically for business jets to make it easier for passengers and crew to stay connected and be effective.”