The modification deals with the installation/activation of the Panasonic eXPhone system onboard B747-8.

The Panasonic eXPhone system allows passengers to use their own mobile phone or T-PED (Transmitting Personal Electronic Device) while in flight for voice and IP data services. Both GSM (voice and text) and GPRS (data) protocols are supported.

eXPhone services are made possible by a Pico Cell on-board the aircraft. A Pico Cell is a small independent cell site that is capable of routing calls to and from traditional ground-based cell and telephone networks to passengers while the aircraft is in flight.

Passengers will detect a cell phone network just as they would while they were roaming on the ground, provided their phone or PDA is a GSM/GPRS device.

Inbound or outbound calls, text messages and data transfers to the passenger are made through their mobile telecommunications company and a satellite communication system that connects the ground-based mobile network to the aircraft.

The modification consists in :

• Installation of eXPhone parts support in the lower deck,

• Installation of two Antenna Splitter Combiner (ASC),

• Installation of four Leaky feeders (two for Main Deck, two for Upper Deck).

Please contact modification supplier for further details.