Targeted To Business Aircraft Applications

International Communications Group (ICG) has introduced a new cordless cabin telephone system, “e-Phone”, designed specifically for the business aircraft market. Based on the Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephone (DECTtm) technology, the e-Phone system provides all contemporary telecom features including intercom calling, conferencing, and call hold. It also incorporates a host of new features such active cabin-noise reduction, Bluetooth compatibility, and advanced power control which extends battery life by providing an auto shutoff feature that virtually eliminates the frequent “dead phone” syndrome common to WI-FI 802.11 handsets.

ICG’s e-Phone utilizes digital VoIP technology and provides SIP calling via Ethernet connections which allow it to independently handle two  simultaneous calls and support up to four handsets, with each having its own unique telephone number. It also supports 2-wire Analog connections to legacy communication systems. It comes with a stylish cradle that can be mounted either vertically or horizontally and provides battery charging and latches the handset during takeoff and landing. Among a host of other additional features, the e-Phone is also capable of providing information to cabin management systems to indicate system activity and handset status.

Complete with cradle and base unit, the e-Phone weighs approximately 3 pounds. It has a large 2.2 inch, 240 x 320 Pixel, 256K color illuminated display, illuminated keypad, and the ability to upload a phone book or up to 500 vCard entries via Bluetooth. It will hold a charge for up to 200 hours in standby mode or up to 15 hours of talk time and can be personalized with a corporate logo screensaver. Each handset can also be loaded with a personalized phone directory. Multiple cordless units, up to 4 per base unit, can be installed in the aircraft cabin. Various mounting locations and techniques are available to support installation on any size airframe and to provide a convenient upgrade path for operators with existing cordless installations.

“This ergonomic and stylish cordless handset provides the user with much the same experience and quality of voice and digital communication he or she would have with a typical executive office phone on the ground,” said Jeff Saucedo, Vice President of OEM sales. “In fact, the primary intent was to develop a device that allows the aircraft passenger to make a seamless transition from the office on the ground to an office in the sky without really noticing a difference. It is why ICG went to great lengths to give this handset the familiar look, feel and audio quality of a high-end mobile telephone or personal user device. It offers the added benefit of providing analog voice channels as a fall-back when digital communication systems are not available or have possibly failed. This redundancy and restoration of cabin voice services is paramount for executives who have the need to be 100% connected while flying,” he added.

FMI: www.icg.aero