Gogo Activates 5G In-Flight Network, Unlocking High-Speed Broadband for North American Aviation

BROOMFIELD, CO – December 29, 2025 – The era of high-speed, reliable internet in the skies over North America is set to take a monumental leap forward. Gogo, a leading provider of in-flight connectivity, today confirmed the successful launch of its next-generation 5G air-to-ground (ATG) network following an exhaustive flight testing campaign. The new service, poised to go live for customers in January 2026, promises to deliver unprecedented speeds and low-latency performance that could fundamentally reshape the passenger experience for business and private aviation.

After years of development and anticipation, the announcement marks a pivotal moment for the company and the in-flight connectivity industry. The 5G network is designed to cater to the ever-increasing data demands of modern travelers, finally making the vision of a true "office in the sky"—complete with seamless video conferencing, high-definition streaming, and rapid file transfers—a widespread reality for operators in the contiguous United States and Southern Canada.

Rigorous Testing Validates Next-Gen Performance

Before giving the green light for a commercial rollout, Gogo subjected its new 5G network to a comprehensive and demanding validation process. The company's test team logged more than 30 hours of flight time across nearly 20 distinct routes, meticulously simulating a wide range of operational conditions to ensure the network's resilience and capability. This campaign was designed to push the system to its limits, confirming that the intricate network of ground-based 5G towers could consistently maintain a powerful and stable link with aircraft traveling at high speeds and altitudes.

The results from these trials have exceeded expectations. During the flights, the network consistently delivered download speeds of more than 80 Mbps, with upload speeds reaching 20 Mbps. These figures represent a dramatic improvement over previous ATG generations and rival the performance of many terrestrial broadband services. For passengers, this translates into the ability for multiple users on the same aircraft to simultaneously stream 4K video, participate in lag-free video calls, browse the web, and use cloud-based applications without the frustrating bottlenecks that have often plagued in-flight Wi-Fi.

"We talk a lot about milestones, and this is really an exceptional one for Gogo," said Chris Moore, CEO of Gogo, in a statement. He acknowledged previous hurdles in the project's timeline, a common challenge in pioneering complex technological infrastructure. "While we have had delays, we are now focused on delivering a brand-new broadband ATG service to our customers that will satisfy data-hungry flyers within North America as they access streaming services on the new ATG service. I’m extremely proud of the Gogo team who have worked very hard for this achievement."

A Strategic Leap in Connectivity Technology

The launch of the 5G network solidifies Gogo's leadership in the ATG market segment. Unlike satellite-based systems that beam signals from space, ATG technology relies on a network of ground stations that connect directly with antennas on the aircraft's belly. This architecture typically results in significantly lower latency, or delay, which is critical for real-time applications like video conferencing and online gaming. While Gogo itself offers a multi-orbit satellite portfolio for global coverage, the new 5G service provides a powerful, cost-effective solution specifically tailored for the densely trafficked airspace of North America.

This technological advancement arrives at a critical time. The expectations of passengers in business aviation have evolved dramatically; connectivity is no longer a luxury amenity but a core utility. Executives and high-value travelers demand the ability to remain fully productive during flight, turning travel time into work time. The bandwidth offered by older systems has struggled to keep pace with this demand, making Gogo's 5G launch a highly anticipated solution to a growing industry problem. By integrating this powerful ATG option into its broader suite of connectivity solutions, Gogo can offer customers a tailored experience, leveraging the best network—be it ATG or satellite—for any given flight path or mission requirement.

Primed for Rapid Market Adoption

Gogo is not just launching a network; it is launching a fully operational service with a clear and aggressive strategy for market penetration. The company has already onboarded its first paying customer, and a staggering 450 aircraft have been pre-provisioned with the necessary hardware, standing ready for activation as the service officially rolls out in January 2026. This strong pipeline of early adopters demonstrates significant pent-up demand and confidence in the new system.

A key enabler of this rapid uptake is Gogo's proactive work in securing Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) from aviation authorities. An STC is a mandatory approval required to modify an aircraft's design, and the process can often be a lengthy bottleneck for new avionics installations. Gogo has contracted 33 STCs that cover all major business aircraft types operating in the region, with 28 already completed and five more expected by the end of the year.

Crucially, for many existing Gogo customers, the move to 5G will only require a minor hardware upgrade, significantly lowering the cost and downtime associated with the transition. The 33 STCs collectively unlock a potential market of over 7,500 aircraft, indicating that the initial 450 pre-provisioned jets are just the beginning. This strategic groundwork paves the way for sustained growth and widespread adoption across the North American business aviation fleet, creating a clear upgrade path for thousands of operators seeking to enhance their connectivity capabilities and asset value.