Sequans’ LTE technology selected by Thales for in-flight connectivity solution for the European Aviation Network

PARIS, France – May , 2016 – Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS) announced that Thales, a global leader in aerospace equipment and systems, has selected Sequans’ LTE chipset technology to power LTE access devices for airplanes as part of the European Aviation Network (EAN) high-speed in-flight broadband access solution. The LTE access devices, called complementary ground component (CGC) terminals, will be fitted onto aircraft flying over Europe and will connect to the ground-based 3GPP LTE Network.

“We selected Sequans’ LTE chip technology for the CGC terminals because the LTE Release 10 technology is a mature solution that matches Thales’ needs and we were impressed with the reliability and performance of Sequans’ LTE chip technology,” said David Williams, procurement director, Avionics, Thales. “Sequans’ work in adapting their technology to meet the exacting requirements of the EAN project should result in a powerful in-flight user device.”

Sequans is providing Thales with LTE chipsets based on Release 10 of the 3GPP LTE standard. The solution supports key adaptations specifically designed to support the in-flight application, including high speed profiles, high transmitted power, and extended cell size support.

When the EAN is deployed, European airlines will be able to offer reliable, high-speed onboard internet access to passengers across Europe’s high-traffic flight paths, using Inmarsat’s S-band spectrum allocation in all 28 EU member states. Development work is scheduled for completion in March 2017 with system trials and commercial service commencing afterward.

“Thales is a clear leader in equipment design for avionics and we are pleased to contribute our LTE technology to this exciting project that will provide real utility to airline passengers,” said Craig Miller, VP of worldwide marketing for Sequans. “Our selection by Thales reflects our continuing commitment to providing high performance LTE solutions for broadband access, which now include support for demanding high-speed mobility applications.”

About Sequans Communications
Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS) is a 4G chipmaker and leading provider of single-mode LTE chipset solutions to wireless device manufacturers worldwide. Founded in 2003, Sequans has developed and delivered six generations of 4G technology and its chips are certified and shipping in 4G networks, both LTE and WiMAX, around the world. Today, Sequans offers two LTE product lines: StreamrichLTE™, optimized for feature-rich mobile computing and home/portable router devices, and StreamliteLTE™, optimized for M2M devices and other connected devices for the Internet of Things. Sequans is based in Paris, France with additional offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Israel, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, and China. Visit Sequans online at www.sequans.com; www.facebook.com/sequans; www.twitter.com/sequans