Communications System Designed Specifically For Business Aviation

Deliveries of International Communications Group’s (ICG’s) new cordless cabin telephone system, “ePhone”, designed specifically for the business aircraft market, have begun. Initial shipments of the sleek new device based on Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephone (DECT) technology have been made to airline customers, systems integrators, and ICG dealers. ICG is also anticipating receipt of Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) from the FAA within a matter of weeks. PMA is a combined design and production approval for modification and replacement articles. It allows a manufacturer to produce and sell these articles for installation on type certificated products.

ICG’s ePhone 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 shut off feature that virtually eliminates the frequent “dead phone” syndrome common to WI-FI 802.11 handsets.
 
ICG’s ergonomic and stylish ePhone utilizes digital VoIP technology and provides SIP calling via Ethernet connections. It also supports 2-wire Analog connections to legacy communication systems and can independently handle three simultaneous calls and support up to four handsets per base station, with each having its own unique telephone number.
 
The ePhone system is available in three mounting options--a standard recessed docking station which can be installed either horizontally or vertically, a pop-up version for use in armrests or cabinetry and a third model which can be mounted on any flat surface, including bulk heads. The latter conforms to existing legacy DECT units, utilizing the same installation and attach points.  It provides battery charging and latches the handset during takeoff and landing.

Among a host of other additional features, the ePhone is also capable of providing status information to cabin management systems to indicate system activity and handset status. Its design is very similar to cordless executive or personal phones found in any office so it makes the transition from the boardroom to the airplane cabin almost unnoticeable.

Complete with cradle and base unit, the ePhone 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. Its mounting flexibility allows it to support installation on any size airframe and to provide a convenient upgrade path for operators with existing cordless installations.

FMI: www.icg.aero