Tuesday, August 6, 2024 SITA , a prominent player in the air transport technology sector, is thrilled to unveil an upgraded iteration of its wireless solution, SITA Mobile Data Access (MDA) 2.0. This advanced version offers secure, dependable, and business-level cellular eSIM and SIM connectivity, compatible with all 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, and expands its reach to over 200 countries globally.
Tailored to address the connectivity demands of airlines, airports, ground handlers, and cruise/ship operators, as well as others with frequent roaming or national-only operational needs, MDA 2.0 intelligently chooses the optimal mobile operator for each device in each country. It also enhances management of data usage by filtering specific URLs, IPs, and countries, significantly improving security standards.
Martin Smillie, Senior Vice President for Communications and Data Exchange (CDE) said: “Local mobile networks often lack comprehensive coverage and service level agreements, which are essential for operational apps used in the aviation and transportation sectors. Our customers demand reliable, high-quality service, and cost control both on and off-site to maintain operational efficiency. SITA MDA 2.
0 offers a seamless, secure, and one-stop solution for global cost-efficient connectivity.” SITA MDA 2.0 boasts connectivity with over 700 roaming partners worldwide and features a dedicated online portal for aggregating information from multiple sources.
It includes traffic filtering to manage costs and offers round-the-clock support. Clients can choose between per-country or regional models and a comprehensive global model. The solution integrates seamlessly with SITA for Aircraft and SITA Airport solutions, supporting a variety of pricing models and practical applications.
Use cases range from pilot and crew tablet access, handheld terminal (HHT) baggage scanner connectivity to baggage reconciliation systems (BRS), aircraft maintenance data access, SDWAN backup, facilitating new airline routes, and providing access to passenger processing assets both in and outside of the airport, with options for pay-per-use, bundles, or zones. It also features an applet capable of switching between private and public 5G networks. This enhanced version further extends its benefits to SITA’s growing clientele in the maritime industry, including operators of cruise lines, ferries, and commercial shipping, as well as additional transportation sectors.
The implementation of MDA 2.0 has already proven its value by replacing an outdated system for a ground-handling provider at a key airport in the Asia-Pacific region, where limited apron WiFi previously hampered global baggage tracking and operations. The deployment, completed within weeks, provided enhanced performance and reliable connectivity, greatly minimizing the risk of disruptions in ground handling.
This solution is poised for broader adoption across various airports and transportation sectors, reinforcing SITA’s role as a leader in delivering top-tier global connectivity solutions that bolster operational efficacy and reliability across the air transport and maritime industries..
